Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday released the insulting “thank-you” text message he said he received from former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, following Obasanjo’s attendance at Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos last week.
The message, made available to journalists in Abeokuta by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, showed Fayose thanking the ex-president for attending the event while blasting him for what he described as “irresponsible comments” made during the celebration.
Fayose wrote that he refrained from responding to Obasanjo’s remarks at the venue “so that the world would know the difference between a sane man and a mad man.” He also demanded that Obasanjo return the money he allegedly provided to facilitate his attendance.
The message read in part: “Dear Baba Obasanjo, I appreciate your coming to my birthday party, 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.
“I kept quiet at the function so the world would know the difference between a sane and a mad man. It is obvious that you have lost your sanity — or should I say, this is the heightened stage of dementia.
“Lastly, I shall appreciate it if you return my money… Your leopard will never change its skin.”
In his response, Obasanjo said: “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.”
While speaking as guest of honour at the birthday, Obasanjo had recounted Fayose’s past verbal attacks against him and accused the former governor of repeatedly seeking forgiveness while continuing the same behaviour.
Obasanjo said Fayose did not invite him directly, instead sending former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka to intercede before later visiting him in person. He also recalled advising Fayose during his time as governor against embarking on a government-funded poultry project, which he said later collapsed due to fraud.
According to a viral video from the event, Obasanjo urged Fayose to repent genuinely, seek forgiveness from those he had wronged, and embrace humility and integrity going forward.