‘You belong to the zoo’ – Fayose blasts Obasanjo

Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has launched a fresh verbal attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, following the latter’s appearance at his 65th birthday celebration. The confrontation came to light after an SMS Fayose sent to Obasanjo surfaced, prompting a reaction from the former President on Monday.

According to a statement issued in Abeokuta by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the message Fayose sent as a “thank you” note was anything but appreciative. The statement explained that Obasanjo considered the message “uncomplimentary,” adding that it revealed Fayose’s true nature and long-standing disposition. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

In the SMS, Fayose thanked the former President for attending his birthday celebration but immediately criticized him for comments he allegedly made at the event. Fayose accused Obasanjo of speaking irresponsibly, adding that such behaviour was unbecoming of his age and status. He went further to say he was unsurprised by Obasanjo’s conduct, referencing a past remark that the former President “should be kept away in the zoo.”

Fayose reportedly wrote that he chose not to respond to Obasanjo publicly at the event because he wanted the gathered audience to differentiate “between a sane and a mad man.” He claimed the ex-President’s conduct was evidence of “heightened dementia,” insisting that Obasanjo had lost his sense of reasoning. The former governor added that he would address the matter more comprehensively at a later time.

Another major point raised in the message was Fayose’s demand for the return of money he alleged Obasanjo admitted receiving. He reminded the former President of the public acknowledgement and requested that the money be returned to him without delay. Ending the message, Fayose declared that Obasanjo’s “leopard will never change his skin,” a phrase often used to imply unchanging character flaws.

Obasanjo, in his response, refrained from matching the tone of Fayose’s message but sent a brief, pointed reply. He thanked Fayose for the message, noting that it “undisguisedly revealed who and what” the former governor was. The former President described Fayose as “unchanged and unchangeable,” subtly dismissing the outburst as characteristic of him.

In addressing Fayose’s demand, Obasanjo stated that the alleged money had been returned through the same person who brought it—identified as Foluso Adeagbo. He clarified that the bag containing the money had remained unopened and was sent back exactly as it was received. The statement did not elaborate further on the context or purpose of the transaction.

The exchange has reignited public interest in the long-running animosity between the two political figures, who have clashed repeatedly over the years. Their relationship has historically been marked by harsh public statements, political disagreements, and personal criticisms. Observers note that while Obasanjo often adopts a tone of restraint in public exchanges, Fayose has consistently taken a more confrontational approach.

Reactions to the latest development have been divided, especially across social media, where supporters of both men have engaged in debates over the appropriateness of Fayose’s message. Some Nigerians criticized the former Ekiti governor for using disrespectful and inflammatory language toward a former President, arguing that disagreements should not override basic decorum. Others defended Fayose, insisting he was reacting to provocation and expressing grievances he has long harboured against Obasanjo.

Political analysts believe the exchange could influence emerging political narratives, especially as both men retain influence within their respective circles. Fayose, known for his outspoken nature, may choose to release further statements in the coming days, particularly as he hinted at “setting the records straight.” Obasanjo, on the other hand, is expected to maintain his usual reserved posture unless additional allegations require clarification.

The incident has added yet another chapter to the unpredictable and often dramatic relationship between the two prominent figures, with many Nigerians watching closely to see whether the matter fades or escalates into a more extended political confrontation.