Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose have renewed their animosity.
The duo, who once enjoyed a father-to-son or mentor-to-mentee relationship, have become sworn enemies.
Despite efforts from associates and friends to unite the two aggrieved people, something unusual but avoidable always came up to disrupt or provoke one against the other.
Some claimed the continued animosity could be attributed to the inability of the duo to forgive or let go of past wrongs, while others argued that it could be as a result of irreconcilable differences.
Recently, a picture of Olusegun Obasanjo and Ayodele Fayose emerged on social media. Sources claimed Fayose visited Obasanjo in his Ota home and had reunited with his longtime mentor and boss. Netizens assumed that the duo had resolved their conflict and would figure out how to relate.
Weeks after Fayose visited Obasanjo in his Ota home, the latter attended the 65th birthday celebration of the former.
Though shocking, many Nigerians, especially those who have been following events between the duo and swore that Obasanjo would never have anything to do with Fayose again, were glad that the two had permanently resolved their issues.
A TIMELINE OF THE OBASANJO AND FAYOSE CONTROVERSY
FAYOSE REMOVAL AS A GOVERNOR?
The controversy between Obasanjo and Fayose started in 2006. Fayose was removed as governor of Ekiti State due to allegations of financial mismanagement of funds related to the Ekiti State Poultry Project and corruption.
According to reports, 24 out of 26 members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly supported the move. There were claims that the removal was possible due to Obasanjo’s influence as a sitting president, leading to a long-standing feud between the two.
However, the Supreme Court ruled that Fayose’s impeachment was illegal.
OSUN STATE SITUATION?
In 2010, Obasanjo and Fayose reportedly clashed at a party held at the residence of former Osun Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
Both reportedly exchanged harsh words at the event. According to reports, Fayose walked into the event, greeted guests, but ignored Obasanjo.
Despite Oyinlola calling his attention to the presence of Obasanjo, he ignored him and was quoted as saying that he does not greet bad fathers, while Obasanjo reportedly replied that he does not accept greetings from bad children either.
CRITICISM?
Ayo Fayose, former Ekiti State Governor, criticized Olusegun Obasanjo’s statement that his generation failed Nigeria, calling it “self-serving, misleading, and discomfiting.”
Fayose argued that Obasanjo was responsible for the nation’s problems, citing his role in laying the foundation for corruption and impeaching eight civilian governors.
He also highlighted notable figures from Obasanjo’s generation who have contributed positively to Nigeria, such as Emeka Anyaoku, Wole Soyinka, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
BIRTHDAY PARTY?
Olusegun Obasanjo attended the 65th birthday party of Ayodele Fayose and publicly declared that he has forgiven Fayose for his past insults hurled at him.
He spoke extensively and recapped events, particularly notable ones that frustrated his relationship with Fayose.
He narrated his one-sided story and publicly declared that he had forgiven Fayose.
He also disclosed that Fayose is his political and prodigal son who returned home.
FAYOSE’S REACTION?
Fayose lashed out at Obasanjo in a scathing “thank you” letter.
He called Obasanjo “zoo material” and questioned his sanity as an elder and a leader.
Fayose, who felt offended by Obasanjo’s address at his birthday party, lambasted the former president and asked him to return the money he gave to him for his transportation to his birthday venue.
Obasanjo responded that he was not startled by Fayose’s behavior because he knew he was unchangeable and would get his money because he had not unpacked it.
