Key Points
- Fayose says he gave Obasanjo $20,000 for travel. Obasanjo later returned the money to Fayose, his aide said.
- The payment followed a visit to Obasanjo at his home. Fayose says Obasanjo agreed to attend despite a prior engagement.
- Fayose publicly thanked Obasanjo after the funds were returned. He said he will not let anyone keep his money.
Ayo Fayose (Ayodele Fayose) says Olusegun Obasanjo has returned the $20,000. Fayose told Af24 he received the cash after sending a stern message.
He said he gave the money to Obasanjo to cover travel costs. See recent BBNaija season 10 coverage for context on public reaction.
How the refund unfolded
Fayose said he visited Obasanjo days before his 65th birthday celebration. He said Obasanjo welcomed him and promised to attend despite another trip. Fayose said he arranged funds to help with Obasanjo’s travel plans.
Fayose said he changed $20,000 in cash and handed it over at Obasanjo’s request. He said they took photos together before the birthday event. Fayose added he felt hurt by remarks made at the party.
Fayose told reporters he felt like seizing the microphone and hitting Obasanjo. He said he held back out of respect for the vice president’s presence. Fayose described the speech as provocative and humiliating.
Obasanjo later replied that the money would be sent back to Fayose. Fayose says he wrote to Obasanjo and that the funds were returned. He also said the money returned to him is now in his possession.
The returned cash, Fayose said, came back unopened in the same bag. He thanked the former president for the act of return. Fayose said the episode shows the difference between words and deeds.
Fayose said the refund ends the payment dispute for now. He warned he will not allow anyone to keep his money. Fayose said he will set the record straight in due course.
Local reaction to the row grew fast on social feeds and TV. Commentators debated why Obasanjo spoke as he did at the party. Others asked if the visit was a genuine peace move before the fallout.
Some analysts said the spat may affect wider political ties among elders. They noted public figures must guard their words at formal events. The matter may calm down if both sides repair relations soon.
Qq11The row adds to recent stories about high-profile clashes and public refunds. Observers will watch whether the refund eases tensions between the two men. For now, Fayose says he is pleased the money came back
