Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has reignited his long-running feud with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, only days after both men appeared to have reconciled publicly. The renewed clash comes after Obasanjo made remarks at Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos, which the former governor later described as “irresponsible” and disrespectful.
The two political figures, who have a history of bitter exchanges dating back nearly two decades, surprised many Nigerians when they were seen together at the birthday event on Saturday. Obasanjo’s presence was widely interpreted as a sign that the long political and personal rift between them had finally been resolved. However, the fresh outburst from Fayose has shown that the reconciliation may have been short-lived.
During his speech at the birthday party, Obasanjo reportedly referred to Fayose’s past criticisms and abuses directed at him over the years. While the former president stated that he had forgiven Fayose, he also made some pointed comments that drew laughter from guests but seemed to irritate the celebrant.
According to reports, Obasanjo reminded those present that Fayose had once described him in harsh terms but added that he had no personal hatred for the former governor. Many at the event saw the comments as part of a light-hearted exchange between two old political rivals who had chosen to move on.
But Fayose, in a message sent to Obasanjo after the event — and released to the media on Monday in a statement signed by Kehinde Akinyemi, Media Aide to the former president — made it clear that he was deeply angered by the remarks. Instead of accepting the words as a joke or an expression of reconciliation, he took strong offence.
In the strongly-worded text message, Fayose expressed disappointment and anger over Obasanjo’s speech. He accused the former president of descending too low for someone of his age and status.
Part of the message reads:
“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate it except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low, but I am not surprised because someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.”
Fayose also claimed that he refused to reply Obasanjo at the event because he wanted people to see him as the more composed person. “I kept quiet or did not reply to you at the function so that the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man that you are.”
He went further to say Obasanjo was suffering from “heightened dementia,” adding that he would respond fully at a later time: “Not to worry Baba, I shall set the records straight in due course of time.”
The message has now gone viral, sparking fresh debate about the deteriorating relationship between the two influential politicians.
Fayose and Obasanjo have had a troubled history that dates back to the early 2000s when Fayose served as Ekiti State Governor during Obasanjo’s presidency. Their relationship deteriorated sharply after Fayose accused Obasanjo of being behind attempts to remove him from office.
Obasanjo, on the other hand, accused Fayose of corruption and mismanagement during his first term as governor. The exchanges between them over the years have often been harsh and personal. At different times, Fayose openly criticised Obasanjo, calling him names and accusing him of being responsible for the problems facing Nigeria.
In 2017, Fayose—then a key PDP figure—declared that Obasanjo should not be taken seriously in national politics, describing him as a man who lacked moral authority to speak on governance. Obasanjo, too, never held back in his criticism, sometimes referring to Fayose as a leader lacking in discipline and respect for elders.
Because of this history, many Nigerians were surprised to see Obasanjo attend Fayose’s 65th birthday party. His presence was interpreted as a symbolic gesture that both men had put the past behind them. But the latest fallout suggests that the wounds may still be fresh.
On social media, Nigerians have reacted with mixed opinions. Some say Fayose’s message to Obasanjo was disrespectful and unnecessary, especially considering Obasanjo’s age. Others argue that Obasanjo should not have revisited past insults publicly at a celebration meant to honour Fayose.
As of Monday evening, Obasanjo had not publicly responded to Fayose’s latest outburst. His media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, simply released the message Fayose sent to the former president, but did not comment further.
The sudden collapse of the apparent reconciliation has raised questions about the sincerity of public peace gestures among Nigerian politicians. Analysts say that unless political leaders genuinely resolve their differences, public displays of unity may continue to break down behind the scenes.
Fayose’s decision to go public with such a strongly-worded message less than 48 hours after the event suggests that the longstanding animosity between the two men may still be very deep.
With Fayose promising to “set the records straight in due course,” Nigerians may see more revelations or additional verbal exchanges in the coming days. The feud between the two men, though personal, reflects broader tensions within Nigeria’s political space, where personal grievances often overlap with national politics.
For now, what seemed like a heartwarming moment of reconciliation at a 65th birthday party has quickly turned into another chapter in one of Nigeria’s most enduring political rivalries.
