Former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, has confirmed that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has returned the $20,000 allegedly given to him to cover his logistics for Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration.
Fayose made the disclosure in an interview with AF24 News, explaining that two weeks before his birthday, he reached out to several individuals with whom he had long-standing political disagreements. He clarified, however, that his call to Obasanjo was not an apology.
According to Fayose, Obasanjo welcomed him to his home shortly before the event and assured him of his attendance, despite having another engagement in Rwanda. Acting on Obasanjo’s request, Fayose said he arranged funds to support the former president’s travel plans.
“I changed $20,000 and gave it to him, allegedly at Obasanjo’s request. How can someone accept money and then act spitefully?” Fayose said.
He added that after he sent a firm message demanding the money back, Obasanjo complied. “I have written to him, and he has returned my $20,000,” Fayose stated, noting that he was pleased to have the funds back. “I will not allow such a person to keep my money,” he added.