Ekiti State, Nigeria – Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has again taken aim at ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, calling him “very irresponsible” and claiming he “belongs to the zoo” in a message that quickly went viral. What began as a note of appreciation following Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration unexpectedly spiraled into a direct verbal attack.
According to Sahara Reporters, the text message was originally meant to thank guests who attended Fayose’s birthday but shifted sharply in tone. The message, sent on Sunday and later released publicly by Obasanjo’s media aide Kehinde Akinyemi, started with gratitude before turning into a heated outburst.
In the controversial message, Fayose wrote that Obasanjo’s comments at the event were irresponsible and accused the former president of losing his sanity. He referenced a past remark that Obasanjo “should be kept away in the zoo” and suggested the ex-president was experiencing “heightened dementia.” Fayose also demanded a refund of money he alleged Obasanjo once received from him, ending with the remark that “your leopard will never change his skin.”
Obasanjo responded with a brief but pointed message, saying Fayose’s note revealed “who and what” he is. He added that the money was returned through an intermediary, Foluso Adeagbo.
The two political figures have been engaged in a long-running feud dating back to 2006, when Fayose was removed from office as governor. His supporters accused Obasanjo, then serving as president, of orchestrating the removal, creating a rivalry that has lasted nearly two decades and continued through numerous public clashes.
The latest exchange has sparked widespread discussion online, with many Nigerians reacting to the harsh tone of Fayose’s comments. Political analysts say the message underscores the deep and unresolved tensions that remain within Nigeria’s political landscape.
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