Obasanjo, Fayose Clash Publicly Over Birthday Visit as Fiery “Thank You” Message Leaks

A new round of political drama has erupted between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, following the release of a controversial “Thank You” text message Fayose sent after Obasanjo attended his 65th birthday celebration in Lagos last week.

The message, released to journalists in Abeokuta by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, contained harsh words from Fayose, who accused the ex-president of making “irresponsible comments” during the celebration. Fayose further described Obasanjo as a “mad man,” alleging that the 89-year-old was exhibiting “the heightened stage of dementia.”

Fayose also demanded that Obasanjo return the money he sent to facilitate his attendance, referencing Obasanjo’s public admission during the event that the money had been delivered by an intermediary.

According to the leaked message, Fayose wrote:
“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I appreciate your coming to my birthday party except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. Someone once said you should be kept in a zoo—and sincerely, that’s where you belong. I didn’t respond because I wanted the world to see the difference between a sane man and a mad man… Kindly return my money since you admitted receiving it.”

Obasanjo Fires Back

In a swift and equally blunt reply, Obasanjo stated that Fayose’s message only confirmed his true nature.

“Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message, which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are—unchanged and unchangeable,” Obasanjo said. He added that the money had been returned “in the same unopened bag” through the same intermediary who brought it.

Inside the Tense Birthday Encounter

During his remarks at the event, Obasanjo had recounted his long, complicated relationship with Fayose. He reminded the audience that the former governor had a history of publicly insulting him but always returned later to seek forgiveness.

The former president also disclosed that Fayose did not initially invite him directly. Instead, he sent former Minister Osita Chidoka to “sound him out,” followed by multiple intermediaries before ultimately paying a visit himself.

Obasanjo, switching briefly into Yoruba, scolded Fayose and his wife for lacking *Omoluwabi* (virtuous) conduct, stating that both were forgiven but must learn from their past behaviour.

Old Wounds Reopened

Obasanjo used the occasion to revisit the Ekiti poultry project scandal, insisting he had earlier warned Fayose that the project was fraudulent. The eventual collapse of the project, he said, proved his fears right.

In a viral video of the celebration, Obasanjo advised Fayose to embrace humility, integrity, and genuine repentance as he ages.

Political Reactions Expected

The dramatic exchange has ignited discussions within political circles, with analysts suggesting that the renewed tension between the two influential figures could spark wider reactions within the Southwest political space.

Many observers believe this may not be the last chapter in the long-running feud between the former president and his outspoken political protege.