Abati noted that the absence of Fayose’s mother and siblings at his birthday deserves more attention than the political spectacle.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Renowned media entrepreneur, journalist and author, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, has waded into the renewed feud between former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, following the latter’s 65th birthday celebration.
She expressed strong displeasure about the incident while hosting the latest edition of her weekly Silverbird Television programme, ‘Real Talk With Kike.’
Obasanjo had, during Fayose’s birthday celebration, made some scathing remarks concerning the past abuses directed at him by the ex-governor.
While stating that he has forgiven him, he recalled how the suspended Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain sent emissaries, including former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, to broker their 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.’”
The former president further recalled how he scolded Fayose and his wife during the process where he was being persuaded to grace the birthday party.
He, however, added that 65 years on earth is a milestone worthy of celebration, while referencing a biblical verse: “mourn with those who mourn, and rejoice with those who rejoice.”
He also paid tribute to Fayose, acknowledging his politically noteworthy contributions. Obasanjo charged Fayose to reach out to others whom he thinks he has offended and resolve the matter, and also asked him to forgive those who have offended him.
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Barely 48 hours after the party, Fayose renewed the hostility in a ‘Thank You’ text message sent to Obasanjo, lambasting him over the remarks made during the celebration.
He described the ex-president’s comments as irresponsible and stressed that the 89-year-old belongs in the zoo.
Obasanjo then replied, saying: “Ayo, thanks for your “Thank You” message which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable. Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo who brought it and in the same bag as he brought it unopened by me.”
Delving into the exchanges during her show, Abati noted that while the long-standing rift between Fayose and Obasanjo is widely known, the former governor’s 65th birthday should not have been turned into a fresh political battlefield.
According to her, such milestone celebrations are meant for love, reflection, gratitude, and appreciation, not for political tension or ego-driven posturing.
She criticized Fayose for what she described as a “guest-list for clout,” questioning why a man fully aware of his strained relationship with Obasanjo would engineer a reunion neither side was emotionally nor psychologically prepared for.
“A 65th birthday is not the platform for forced reconciliation between political foes, especially when both parties have shown time and again that their relationship is fractured beyond a casual handshake,” Abati said.
She further stressed that instead of attempting to revive a long-dead political friendship for the cameras, Fayose should have focused on healing closer-to-home wounds. She highlighted the absence of the former governor’s mother and siblings, who reportedly stayed away due to internal family disputes—a rift she believes deserved more attention than any political spectacle.
She also called on former President Obasanjo to show restraint, noting, “Chief Obasanjo is older and should have set the tone for maturity. When elders act without tact, it sends the wrong message to the younger generation.”
Abati concluded that both men missed an opportunity for grace: Fayose should have prioritized humility and family reconciliation on his special day, while Obasanjo, given his age and national stature, should have handled the situation with more emotional intelligence.
