From hostility to healing: Obasanjo, Fayose bury long-standing political feud

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has formally reconciled with former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, ending nearly two decades of political hostility between the two.

Obasanjo announced the reconciliation on Saturday during Fayose’s well-attended 65th birthday celebration in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the former president said the moment called for “celebration, reflection, and correction.”

In a humorous tone, he recalled receiving calls from people who questioned why he would attend Fayose’s birthday despite their long-standing feud.

“I said, ‘Thank you for reminding me,’” Obasanjo remarked, drawing loud laughter from the audience.

The rift between the two dates back to 2006 when Fayose was removed as governor—an event many believed was influenced by Obasanjo.

Their strained relationship worsened in 2010 when the two clashed publicly at a thanksgiving event in Osun State, trading harsh words after Fayose refused to greet the former president.

At the time, Obasanjo reportedly called Fayose a “bastard,” prompting Fayose to fire back, calling the ex-president the “father of bastards.”

Over the years, Fayose frequently criticised Obasanjo, particularly on national issues.

In 2017, he accused him of making divisive statements and urged him to “speak for himself” after Obasanjo declared that his generation had failed Nigeria.

However, Fayose initiated a peace process ahead of his 65th birthday, visiting Obasanjo in Abeokuta last week after sending emissaries to facilitate reconciliation.

A post shared by his former media aide, Lere Olayinka, showed both men sharing light moments and playing the traditional game Ayo Olopon during the visit.

At the birthday event, Obasanjo narrated how Fayose carefully approached the reconciliation.

He said Fayose first sent former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, to “sound him out,” before later calling him personally.

When Fayose eventually visited Abeokuta, he again sent another emissary, Folusho, to gauge Obasanjo’s mood before meeting him directly.

Obasanjo recalled scolding both Fayose and his wife during the reconciliation process.

“I told your wife, ‘You and your husband are not Omoluabi.’ She admitted and said, ‘Baba, you are right. Please forgive us.’

“Once you get that, what else can I do?” he said.

“So, you have asked for forgiveness, and as far as I’m concerned, you are forgiven. But the right lessons must be learnt.”

Describing 65 as an age worth celebrating, the former president drew from scripture: “Mourn with those who mourn, and rejoice with those who rejoice.”

He also acknowledged Fayose’s political contributions despite their past disagreements.

He urged the former governor to reach out to others he may have offended and mend all strained relationships.

Obasanjo also encouraged him to forgive those who wronged him, noting that reconciliation should not end with their own relationship.