Fayose reveals Obasanjo returned his $20,000 gifted him to attend his birthday

• Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose confirmed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo returned the $20,000 provided for his travel logistics following Fayose’s 65th birthday.
• The repayment occurred after Obasanjo’s critical remarks at the event reignited their decades-long feud.
• Fayose, who expressed satisfaction at the money’s return, also used the opportunity to publicly demand the refund of his N10 million contribution to the Obasanjo Presidential Library dating back to 2005.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo returned the $20,000 provided for his travel logistics following Fayose’s recent 65th birthday celebration. The repayment was made after a fresh dispute erupted between the two politicians.

The $20,000 was provided during a brief attempt at reconciliation between the two, whose political estrangement has lasted nearly two decades. The renewed feud was triggered by Obasanjo’s remarks at the birthday event, where he described Fayose as “not the best” of his mentees.

In a recent interview with AF24 News, Fayose confirmed the financial exchange and his reaction to Obasanjo’s criticism:

“We took pictures together. All in good faith. I changed $20,000 and gave it to him. How can you accept somebody’s money and come and be spiting that person?”

Fayose confirmed that he sent a firm message to Obasanjo, which led to the repayment. He expressed satisfaction that the funds were returned:

“I have written to him, and he has returned my $20,000. And I thank him for returning it. It is in my possession now. I have changed it to naira.” He added, “I am very happy. I will not allow such a man to carry my money away.”

Fayose also revisited an earlier controversy, demanding the refund of a N10 million contribution made to the Obasanjo Presidential Library in 2005. He insisted on the return of his funds:

“I wrote to him, with all humility, that since he has accepted at my birthday that he received that money through governors’ forum, that means the one for me, he should return that money.”

“Whatever, I just want my N10 million. The moment I get it today, I will confirm that I received it. You can’t be disparaging people and be chopping (sic) their money, that is 419.”