Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday disclosed the content of a strongly worded “Thank You” text message sent to him by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose after attending Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos.
The message, released in Abeokuta through Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, expressed gratitude for the former president’s presence at the event but harshly criticised his remarks at the ceremony.
In the text, Fayose accused the 89-year-old of making “irresponsible comments” and said he held back from responding publicly to highlight “the difference between a sane man and a mad man.” He also demanded that Obasanjo return the money sent to facilitate his appearance at the celebration.
“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,” part of Fayose’s message read.
“I kept quiet or did not reply to you at the function so that the world would know the difference between a sane and a mad man. It is also obvious that you have lost your sanity — or should I say, this is the heightened stage of dementia.
“Not to worry, Baba. I shall set the records straight in due course. Lastly, I shall appreciate it if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received it, but Dangote brought it back. Your leopard will never change its skin.”
Obasanjo, in his response, said the message revealed Fayose’s character. “Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message, which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable. Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo, who brought it, in the same bag as he delivered it, unopened by me.”
The confrontation followed Obasanjo’s remarks at the birthday event, where he recalled Fayose’s history of attacking him verbally, saying the former governor often apologised only to repeat the behaviour.
He recounted that Fayose did not invite him directly but sent former minister Osita Chidoka to approach him first. Fayose later visited with his wife after additional intermediaries had been sent ahead.
Obasanjo told the gathering: “Some people called me and said, ‘We heard that you are going to attend Fayose’s 65th birthday. Have you forgotten how he abused you?’ But I said they should not worry. Irrespective of his character, he remains one of my children.
“But you are not among the best of my political children. Even to get me to attend this occasion, you could not approach me directly. You sent Osita Chidoka to sound me out… When you came, you called your wife, and while on the phone, I said that both of you have not conducted yourselves well — Mo ni eyin mejeji kii somoluwabi [both of you are not Omoluwabi]. Your wife asked for forgiveness, and I said both of you are forgiven.”
He said he wanted the encounter to serve as a lesson, reminding Fayose of past disagreements, including his warning during Fayose’s governorship about a controversial poultry project he believed was fraudulent.
In a video circulating online, the UN peace maker urged Fayose to pursue genuine repentance and make integrity a priority as he grows older.
