Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he has forgiven former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of his ‘sins’, putting an end to the long political rift between the two politicians.
Obasanjo spoke on Saturday at the well- attended 65th
birthday celebration of Fayose held in Lagos.
In a clip posted by an online television station, CityEdge,
the former President said the occasion called for celebration, reflection and
correction.
“Before I started coming here, some people called me and
said, ‘We heard that you are going to Ayo Fayose’s birthday (celebration).
Can’t you remember that he abused you?’ I said, ‘Thank you for reminding me,'”
Obasanjo said, throwing the audience into wild laughter.
The Rift
The seed of discord between Fayose and Obasanjo was sown
after the former’s removal as Ekiti Governor in 2006. His removal was allegedly
orchestrated by Obasanjo.
In 2010, Obasanjo and Fayose openly exchanged words at a
public forum in Okuku, Osun State.
It was at the thanksgiving service organised by Prince
Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former governor of Osun State.
According to reports, the two exchanged very rude and angry
words following Fayose’s refusal to greet Obasanjo when they met.
Obasanjo, it was reported, had called Fayose a ‘bastard’, to
which the latter had called Obasanjo the ‘father of bastards’.
On many occasions, Fayose has openly tackled Obasanjo
especially each time the elder statesman takes a position on national issues.
In 2017, Fayose told Obasanjo to stop making provocative
statements that could distract and discourage Nigerians from fixing the
economy.
He was reacting to a statement credited to Obasanjo in which
he said his generation had failed the nation.
He advised Obasanjo to speak for himself rather than making
a generalised statement.
“There is much suffering in the land. The people are hungry.
Yet, one of those responsible for this unsavoury state of affairs relishes in
adding insult to the people’s injury. He makes statements that are not only
reckless but also untrue.
“Obasanjo, truly, has failed this country many times over
but not all members of his generation failed this country. There are shining
lights in that generation that have served the nation well,” Fayose said.
The Reconciliation
Last week Sunday, the former governor visited Obasanjo in
Abeokuta, Ogun State, ahead of his 65th birthday.
Fayose, who arrived at the OOPL complex was received by
aides of the former president before proceeding to Obasanjo’s private where the
meeting was held.
The visit came after Fayose had sent emissary to Obasanjo to
midwife the reconciliatory process.
A post by Fayose’s former media, Lere Olayinka, disclosed
that the former governor visited Obasanjo after near two decades political
hostility.
In some of the images attached to the post, both Obasanjo
and Fayose were captured in a friendly mood playing “Ayo Olopon.”
“Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, visited
former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abeokuta, Ogun State today.
“They both had an eventful time together,” Olayinka posted
on his X handle.
Obasanjo Forgives Fayose
Speaking at the party, Obasanjo recalled how Fayose sent
emissaries including former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, to midwife the
reconciliation.
He said “You are not the best of my political children, but
you have made achievements that must not be ignored. Even to get me to come
here, you could not approach me directly. You sent Osita (Chidoka) to come and
sound me out. When Osita, who also is a political child, came, I said, ‘Well,
if he (Fayose) has sent you and you have delivered the message, then tell him
that 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.”
Obasanjo said that after the telephone conversation, Fayose
was cautious about visiting him personally in Abeokuta.
“You did not come directly to knock at my door. You sent
Folusho as an emissary to feel the pulse and about an hour later, you came,”
Obasanjo said.
The former president also recalled how he scolded Fayose and
his wife during the process he was being persuaded to grace the birthday party.
“I told your wife that ‘Madam, you and your husband, you are
not Omoluabi.’
She admitted and said ‘Baba, you are right. Please, forgive
us.’ Then, when you get that, what else can I do?
“So, you have asked for forgiveness and as far as I’m
concern you are forgiven. But the right lessons must be learnt,” Obasanjo said.
He said 65th years on earth is worthy of celebration, while
referencing a biblical verse “mourn with those who mourn, and rejoice with
those who rejoice.”
He also paid tribute to him, saying he had made
contributions worthy of note politically.
Obasanjo charged Fayose to reach out to others whom he
thinks he has offended and resolve the matter.
He also asked him to forgive those who offended him.
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