Fayose Attacks Obasanjo in Fiery ‘Thank-You’ Message After Birthday Visit

The clash between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose became public on Monday when Obasanjo released a harsh message sent to him after attending Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos. The message, which Obasanjo shared through his media aide in Abeokuta, showed that Fayose thanked him for attending the event but also mocked him over comments he made at the gathering.

The message, sent as a “thank-you” note, contained strong insults directed at the 89-year-old former president. Fayose accused Obasanjo of speaking carelessly during the celebration and said he chose not to respond at the venue because he wanted people to judge their conduct. He also demanded that Obasanjo return the money he sent to support his attendance at the party, insisting the former president had admitted receiving it.

Obasanjo responded by sending back the money through the person who delivered it and said the message showed Fayose’s true character. He noted that the cash was returned in the same bag in which it was brought and had not been opened.

During the birthday celebration, Obasanjo told guests that Fayose had a long history of insulting him in public even after claiming to apologise. He narrated that people questioned his decision to attend the party because of their troubled past, but he went because he still regarded Fayose as one of his political children, even though not among his best.

Obasanjo also spoke about how Fayose did not invite him directly at first. According to him, former Minister Osita Chidoka first approached him, followed by another associate who came to check his mood before Fayose finally showed up. He recalled telling Fayose and his wife that they had not behaved well and that both sought forgiveness.

He added that he wanted Fayose to learn from past mistakes and even advised him during his time as governor to avoid a poultry project that later failed due to irregularities. A trending video from the event also showed Obasanjo urging Fayose to change his ways, make peace with those he had offended, and focus on living with humility.

The exchange between the two men has since drawn attention across the country, with many reacting to the strong language used in what was meant to be a message of appreciation.