Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday publicly declared that he had forgiven former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, bringing an end to their 19-year political feud.
Obasanjo made the announcement at Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos, where he stunned guests by openly addressing the long-standing rift between them.
Speaking at the event, the former President said the occasion called for “celebration, reflection and correction,” noting that Fayose had made commendable political strides despite their differences.
“You are not the best of my political children, but you have made achievements that must not be ignored,” Obasanjo said in a viral video from the event.
He revealed that Fayose could not approach him directly to invite him to the birthday celebration, prompting the former governor to send ex-Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, to deliver the message on his behalf.
“Even to get me to come here, you could not approach me directly. You sent Osita to sound me out. When Osita came, I said, ‘If he has sent you and you have delivered the message, then tell him you have delivered it.’ So, you have asked for forgiveness, and as far as I’m concerned, you are forgiven. But the right lessons must be learnt,” Obasanjo added.
The political tension between the two dates back to 2006 during Fayose’s first term as governor, a period marked by fierce clashes and public accusations. Their disagreement remained one of the most visible personality clashes in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Saturday’s reconciliation now signals a significant softening of hostilities and may influence future political alignments within the South-West.
Fayose, who appeared visibly pleased during the interaction, did not immediately respond but acknowledged the former President’s presence with repeated gestures of appreciation.
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