Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has released a sharply worded text message he received from former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose after attending Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos.
The message, circulated to journalists in Abeokuta by Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, showed Fayose thanking the ex-president for attending the event but condemning remarks Obasanjo made during the celebration, which he described as disrespectful and inappropriate.
According to the text, Fayose said he remained silent at the venue intentionally to “show the world the difference between a sane man and a mad man.” He also repeated harsh criticisms of Obasanjo, accused him of exhibiting signs of “dementia,” and demanded the return of money he claimed to have sent to facilitate Obasanjo’s attendance.
Part of Fayose’s message read:
“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I appreciate your presence at my birthday, except for your very irresponsible comments. Someone once said you should be kept in a zoo—and sincerely, that is where you belong. I refused to respond at the event so people could see the difference between sanity and madness.”
Obasanjo’s response, which was also made public, dismissed Fayose’s remarks and emphasised that the money sent to him had been returned untouched through the person who delivered it.
He replied:
“Ayo, your message shows clearly who you are—unchanged and unchangeable. Your money has been returned exactly as it was brought.”
While speaking at the birthday ceremony, Obasanjo had recalled past instances where Fayose insulted him despite repeatedly asking for forgiveness. He told attendees that although Fayose was one of his political “children,” he was “not among the best.”
Obasanjo also recounted how Fayose used intermediaries—including Osita Chidoka and another associate, Foluso Adeagbo—to reach out to him before he finally agreed to attend the event.
He further revisited their long-standing disagreements, including warning Fayose against a government-funded poultry project during his time as governor—a venture Obasanjo said was mismanaged and eventually collapsed.
According to a circulating video from the event, Obasanjo urged Fayose to embrace genuine repentance and improve his character as he grows older.
