Just In: Tension Rises as Fayose Slams Obasanjo Despite Earlier Forgiveness
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has launched a fresh verbal attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, barely 48 hours after the two appeared to have reconciled publicly.
Naija News reports that the renewed outburst came despite Obasanjo’s public declaration of forgiveness during Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos on Saturday.
At the well-attended event, Obasanjo had taken a swipe at Fayose over past abuses but said he had forgiven him after several emissaries appealed for a truce.
“You are not the best of my political children, but you have made achievements that must not be ignored,” Obasanjo said.
He narrated how Fayose sent former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, to “sound him out” before personally calling to request his presence.
“Even to get me to come here, you could not approach me directly. You sent Osita. When Osita came, I said, ‘If he has sent you and you have delivered the message, then tell him you have delivered the message.’ Then, you phoned me and said, ‘Ayo,’ and I asked you, ‘Ayo who?’ You said, ‘Ayo Fayose.’ I told you that you can see me anytime,” he recounted.
Obasanjo further recalled chastising Fayose and his wife during the reconciliation process.
“I told your wife, ‘Madam, you and your husband, you are not Omoluabi.’ She admitted and said, ‘Baba, you are right. Please forgive us.’ When you get that, what else can I do?” he said.
He added that Fayose had sought forgiveness and that, “as far as I’m concerned, you are forgiven. But the right lessons must be learnt.”
Obasanjo also urged Fayose to reach out to others he may have offended and mend fences.
Throughout the remarks, Fayose sat quietly. However, the fragile peace collapsed less than two days later.
A statement by Obasanjo’s Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Monday in Abeokuta, revealed that Fayose sent Obasanjo a ‘Thank You’ message laced with renewed hostility and “unprintable names.”
The statement reads, “Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate it, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low, but I’m not surprised because someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely thats where you belong.
“I kept quiet or did not reply to you at the function so that the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man that you are. It is also obvious that you have also lost your sanity OR should I say is the heightened stage of dementia. Not to worry, Baba. I shall set the records straight in due course of time. Lastly, I shall appreciate it if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received it, but Dangote brought u back.
“Your leopard will never change its skin.”
The former President replied tacitly, “Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message, which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable. Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo, who brought it, and in the same bag as he brought it, unopened by me”.Obj.”