A dramatic political exchange erupted on Monday after former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, issued a scathing message to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of making “very irresponsible comments” at his birthday celebration and demanding that Obasanjo return the money he had received at the event.
In a fiery “thank you” message later released to the media, Fayose harshly criticised the former President’s conduct, describing him as “a mad man” and “someone who belongs in the zoo.”
Obasanjo’s response was swift, curt, and dismissive: he confirmed the money had been returned “unopened” in the same bag it came in.
The exchange has since gone viral, deepening the long-running political rivalry between both men.
Fayose: “Your comments were irresponsible… return my money”
In the message shared by Obasanjo’s media office, Fayose expressed appreciation for the former President’s attendance but attacked him for what he called “very irresponsible comments at your age.”
Fayose wrote:
“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.”
He added that he refused to respond during the event “so that the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man that you are.”
Escalating further, Fayose alleged Obasanjo was displaying “the heightened stage of dementia” and insisted the records would be set straight in due course.
His final demand was financial:
“Lastly I shall appreciate if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received but Dangote brought you back.”
Obasanjo Responds: “Your letter reveals who you are”
Obasanjo’s reaction, relayed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, was brief but pointed.
The former President wrote:
“Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable.”
He then added the detail that immediately dominated headlines:
“Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo who brought it and in the same bag as he brought it, unopened by me.”
The message was signed simply: “Obj.”
Obasanjo’s Media Office Issues Official Statement
To provide clarity, Obasanjo’s media aide released a formal statement titled “Obasanjo Receives ‘Thank You’ Letter from Ayo Fayose”, which reproduced Fayose’s message verbatim and confirmed that the former President had returned the disputed funds exactly as they came.
The statement—dated 17th November 2025—did not provide details of the amount involved, the nature of the birthday contribution, or the specific comments made by Obasanjo that triggered the altercation.
A Renewed Political Feud
This latest confrontation adds another chapter to a long history of political clashes between the former President and the former Ekiti governor. Both men have frequently criticised each other in public, often in colourful language, but the direct publication of a private message and the unusual return-of-gift episode mark a new escalation.
While Fayose has hinted that he will “set the records straight in due course,” Obasanjo has indicated he considers the matter closed.
For now, Nigerians—as always—are watching the unfolding drama with intense interest.
