Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s unexpected public release of a harsh “thank-you” text from former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has stirred major attention, as the exchange has taken a dramatic turn.
The clash, which followed Obasanjo’s appearance at Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos, has now become a talking point across political circles and social platforms.
However, the message shared by Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, showed a very tense reaction from Fayose.
Moreover, the message contained strong words that have raised eyebrows nationwide.
In addition, the entire episode appears to contradict the calm atmosphere that was captured in early videos from the event.
According to the published message, Fayose thanked Obasanjo for attending the celebration but harshly criticised his remarks during the programme.
“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I appreciate your coming to my birthday party, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age,” he wrote.
He continued by saying he chose silence at the venue “so the world would know the difference between a sane man and a mad man.”
Fayose went on to accuse Obasanjo of losing his sense of reasoning.
He added, “It is obvious that you have lost your sanity or should I say, this is the heightened stage of dementia.”
Furthermore, he demanded that the former president return the money he allegedly provided for the visit.
He ended his message by saying, “Lastly, I shall appreciate it if you return my money… Your leopard will never change its skin.”
The exchange became more intense as Obasanjo fired back in a short response. He said, “Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message, which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable.”
He also explained that the money had already been returned “in the same bag as he delivered it, unopened by me.”
This incident has drawn attention partly because Obasanjo had earlier used the birthday platform to reflect on Fayose’s past behaviour.
He spoke about the former governor’s repeated verbal attacks over the years and noted that Fayose often returned to ask for forgiveness while continuing with the same actions.
Meanwhile, he shared that Fayose did not invite him directly; instead, former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka mediated before the former governor eventually visited in person.
Obasanjo also recalled warning Fayose during his time in office against a government-funded poultry project, which he said later failed due to fraud.
According to a video shared online, he urged Fayose to “repent genuinely, seek forgiveness, and embrace humility.”
The Obasanjo and Fayose clash reveals a deeper history of disagreements that many Nigerians may have underestimated.
