Obasanjo and Fayose Rekindle Long-Standing Feud at 65th Birthday Party
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose have once again returned to public confrontation after a dramatic exchange during Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos.
The two political figures, whose history of hostility dates back to the early days of the Fourth Republic, briefly shocked Nigerians last week when Fayose visited Obasanjo in Abeokuta to invite him to the event. But the uneasy reconciliation quickly collapsed after Obasanjo openly criticised Fayose during the birthday reception.
Obasanjo Recounts Years of Conflict and “Unending Abuse”
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, Obasanjo recalled how Fayose repeatedly insulted him over the years despite offering forgiveness multiple times.
According to him, Fayose often asked for pardon but went back to launching verbal attacks, especially over the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, a project Fayose had accused him of funding through questionable means.
Obasanjo said he was surprised Fayose invited him, noting that the former governor took several precautions before approaching him, including sending intermediaries to “test the waters.”
Why Obasanjo Fell Out With Fayose
Obasanjo also revisited key moments in their political relationship:
He supported Fayose’s 2003 political rise after being impressed by his water project initiative in Ekiti.
He later disagreed with Fayose over a poultry project he considered poorly conceived.
Fayose was eventually indicted by an EFCC panel in 2006, leading to his impeachment a process Obasanjo insists followed due process.
Fayose accused Obasanjo of orchestrating his political downfall and defrauding governors to build his library.
Obasanjo’s Public Reproach at the Party
During his speech, Obasanjo said Fayose “was not the best” of his political children but acknowledged his achievements.
He urged Fayose to embrace humility, seek genuine reconciliation with those he had wronged, and reflect on spiritual accountability.
Obasanjo revealed that wealthy businessman Aliko Dangote chartered a plane to bring him back from Kigali for the birthday event and confirmed that the money Fayose sent for the trip remained untouched.
Fayose’s Angry Response: “You Belong in the Zoo”
The fragile truce collapsed on Monday when Fayose sent Obasanjo an angry “thank you message” filled with insults.
In the message released by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi Fayose accused the former president of making “irresponsible comments,” adding that Obasanjo “belongs in the zoo” and was suffering from “heightened dementia.”
Fayose also demanded a refund of the money he sent to facilitate Obasanjo’s attendance.
Obasanjo Returns Fayose’s Cash Immediately
In a swift rebuttal, Obasanjo confirmed he had returned the money through the same emissary who delivered it.
Obasanjo wrote:
“Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message, which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable.”
A Feud That Has Spanned Two Decades
Fayose and Obasanjo’s relationship has been turbulent for more than 20 years.
Though Obasanjo supported Fayose’s 2003 election victory, their alliance broke down over allegations of financial misconduct and political betrayal. The fallout culminated in Fayose’s impeachment and accusations of persecution.
Despite attending the birthday event alongside other top dignitaries including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Nyesom Wike and Bukola Saraki and Obasanjo made it clear that forgiveness does not erase the past, and Fayose’s public outburst shows the hostility remains far from resolved.
