By Eshioromeh Sebastian
Businessman and social commentator Isaac Fayose has fired back at critics within the Obidient movement, threatening to withdraw his support for Peter Obi and defect to President Bola Tinubu’s camp following days of backlash over his viral meeting with Seyi Tinubu.
In a video posted on his Facebook account on Friday, Fayose addressed the criticism that has trailed him since footage emerged of him praying with Seyi Tinubu and socialite Cubana Chief Priest earlier this week.
The meeting, which Fayose initially described as a spontaneous prayer session, has now escalated into a full-blown confrontation between the outspoken commentator and the online army of Obi supporters.
Fayose, who has consistently declared himself “101% Obidient,” accused his critics with pidgin English of ingratitude, claiming he made significant financial sacrifices during Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign.
“You people sold your votes. I gave out my hotel in Ibadan, I dashed you people money for the cause. I did everything for this movement,” Fayose said in the video.
The businessman questioned whether Obi or members of his family had ever shown appreciation for his support, contrasting it with Seyi Tinubu’s gesture of respect when they met.
“I met Seyi Tinubu and he removed his cap out of respect. Has Obi come to see me? Has Obi’s son come to appreciate me?” he asked.
“If I want to, I can even change my mind today, withdraw my support for Peter Obi, and start campaigning for Tinubu, because you people are not even worth it. You sit there quietly, waiting for my video to liberate you, when you can liberate yourselves.”
Fayose maintained his admiration for President Tinubu and his son, saying, “I am a happy Yoruba man. I love Tinubu with all my heart and I love Seyi Tinubu. He is a good guy.”
The controversy began earlier this week when a video circulated showing Fayose in a prayer session with Seyi Tinubu, prompting accusations from some social media users that he had been bribed or had secretly defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Fayose initially dismissed those claims, insisting that praying for the President should not be mistaken for political endorsement. He explained that the gathering was a private social visit where they discussed politics and other issues before deciding to pray together.
“I told them, ‘We’re going to win them.’ That we are going to win. So this is politics without hate,” he said in his earlier clarification video.
However, the backlash persisted, with critics accusing him of “damage control” and questioning how he could claim to be “100% Obidient” while publicly associating with the ruling party’s camp.
Fayose’s Friday video represents a significant hardening of his position, moving from clarification to confrontation. He dismissed suggestions that he had been paid to soften his stance, insisting: “Isaac doesn’t collect dollar. Isaac is a billionaire. Isaac doesn’t need dollar.”
“Nobody feeds me. At the end of the day, every man for himself, and God for us all,” he concluded.
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