By John Umeh
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has issued a scathing rebuttal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, following comments Obasanjo made while attending Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos over the weekend.
Obasanjo, who made a surprise appearance at the event, spoke about past disagreements between himself and Fayose, recounting how the former governor allegedly sent intermediaries—including former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka—to seek reconciliation. He also narrated moments of hesitation and caution from Fayose during their peace efforts, claiming he had forgiven him but insisted the former governor and his wife were “not Omoluabi” (persons of honour).
According to Obasanjo, after repeated pleas and interventions, forgiveness was granted, adding that Fayose must learn from past mistakes and reconcile with others he may have offended.
However, Fayose has responded with explosive criticism. In a message made public through the former president’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Fayose accused Obasanjo of making “irresponsible” remarks and described him in unflattering terms.
Fayose’s message reportedly read:
“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I appreciated your presence at my birthday, but your comments were irresponsible and unbecoming of your age. I am not surprised—someone once said you belong in a zoo, and sincerely, that is where you fit.”
He further claimed that he held back from responding during the event to avoid a public scene, stating:
“I kept quiet so the world could clearly see the difference between a sane man and the madman you have become. It is obvious you have lost your sanity, or this is the height of dementia.”
Fayose added that he would “set the record straight” at a later time and asked Obasanjo to return money he alleged the former president had received from him, referencing Obasanjo’s mention of business mogul Aliko Dangote during the event.
He concluded the harsh message with:
“Your leopard will never change its skin.”
In a brief and pointed reply, Obasanjo wrote:
“Ayo, thank you for your ‘thank you’ message, which clearly shows who and what you are—unchanged and unchangeable. Your money has been returned through Foluso Adeagbo, in the same bag it came in, untouched.”
The exchange has further deepened the long-running rift between both political figures, despite Obasanjo’s earlier suggestion that reconciliation had been achieved.
