The long-simmering animosity between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has flared up once more, this time in a dramatic exchange of text messages that has set the political space buzzing.
The latest clash began after Fayose sent what appeared to be a “thank you” message to Obasanjo for attending his recent birthday celebration. But the message, released on Monday, November 17, 2025, by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, quickly descended into a scathing personal attack.
In the text, Fayose acknowledged Obasanjo’s presence at his birthday event but accused the elder statesman of making “irresponsible comments.”
He went on to unleash a barrage of insults, questioning Obasanjo’s mental state and referencing past criticisms of the former President.
Part of the message read:
“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I appreciate your coming except for your very irresponsible comments at your age… someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.
“I kept quiet so the world would know the difference between a sane and a mad man that you are… It is obvious you have also lost your sanity, or is this dementia?
… Lastly, I shall appreciate if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received it but Dangote brought you back.”
He ended with a parting jab: “Your leopard will never change his skin.”
Obasanjo responded in a short but cutting statement, brushing aside the insults and focusing instead on Fayose’s financial allegation.
“Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message, which revealed who and what you are. Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo, who brought it, in the same bag and unopened”, Obasanjo wrote.
The fiery exchange has triggered widespread public reactions and reopened debate around the long-standing rift between the two political heavyweights, both known for their bluntness and combustible temperaments.
