Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a sharp response to ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State following a controversial thank-you message that described the former leader as belonging to "the zoo." The political exchange has reignited their longstanding rivalry and captured national attention.
The Controversial Birthday Message
The drama unfolded after Obasanjo attended Fayose's 65th birthday celebration on Saturday, November 15, where tensions between the two politicians became apparent. According to Kehinde Akinyemi, Special Assistant to the former president, Fayose sent an SMS thank-you message that quickly turned controversial.
In the message obtained by Legit.ng, Fayose expressed gratitude to Obasanjo for attending his birthday but accused the former president of "going so low" during the event. The ex-governor wrote: "I was not surprised by your outburst because someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that's where you belong."
Fayose further claimed he didn't respond to Obasanjo at the event because he wanted "the world to know the difference between a sane and a mad man that you are." The message contained additional personal attacks, suggesting Obasanjo had "lost your sanity" and was suffering from "the heightened stage of dementia."
Obasanjo's Firm Response
Through his media aide, Obasanjo delivered a measured but firm reply to the former governor. The former president described Fayose's message as having "undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable."
In a significant move, Obasanjo also revealed that he had returned money sent to him by Fayose through a third party. The former president emphasized that he "did not even open the bag, not to mention touching it." The money was sent back through Foluso Adeagbo, the same person who delivered it, in the original unopened bag.
Fayose had referenced this money in his message, stating: "I shall appreciate it if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received it, but Dangote brought u back."
Historical Political Rivalry
The current exchange continues a long-standing political feud between the two figures that dates back to when both held office simultaneously. During Obasanjo's presidency, Fayose served as governor of Ekiti State until his tenure was cut short by a state of emergency declared by the former president.
Obasanjo ultimately sponsored Fayose's removal from office, creating a political animosity that has persisted for years. The recent exchange demonstrates that despite the passage of time, the bitter rivalry remains active.
The political drama comes amid Fayose's recent revelations about potential defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The former governor had previously indicated that Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas and another North-Central governor were planning to join the APC.
