By Passman Akpos
ABEOKUTA — Nigeria’s political space erupted on Monday after former President Olusegun Obasanjo confirmed receiving what he described as a “thank you letter” from former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose — a message laced with fiery accusations, personal attacks and counter-claims.
The exchange, made public by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, stemmed from the former president’s appearance at Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration, where Obasanjo’s remarks reportedly displeased the celebrant.
Fayose’s Explosive ‘Thank You’ Letter
In a blistering SMS sent to Obasanjo and released on Monday, Fayose wrote.
> “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 is where you belong.”
The former governor accused Obasanjo of exhibiting “the heightened stage of dementia,” adding that he had maintained silence at the event so “the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man.”
Fayose further demanded a refund of money he allegedly gave Obasanjo, saying:
> “Lastly I shall appreciate if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received but Dangote brought you back.”
Obasanjo Fires Back
Obasanjo responded with equal firmness, dismissing Fayose’s outburst as self-revealing.
His reply read:
> “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 and in the same bag as he brought it, unopened by me.”
The statement was signed by Kehinde Akinyemi, Special Assistant on Media to the former president.
The dramatic exchange has since set social media ablaze, triggering heated debates about Yoruba culture, respect for elders, and the personalities involved.
Nationwide Reactions: Nigerians Weigh In on the Fayose–Obasanjo Feud
1. Shock, Disappointment and Cultural Concerns
Many Nigerians expressed disbelief, insisting that Fayose’s message crossed long-held Yoruba cultural boundaries.
> “Hmm. Wisdom is not defined by age. This is too much for someone that graced your occasion. An elder statesman, an icon in the walls of Nigerian history.”
> “I thought Yoruba would respect the elders regardless? What has changed?”
Several commenters argued that Fayose confirmed what his brother Isaac Fayose had long insinuated about his temperament.
2. “Fayose Didn’t Disappoint” — Others Claim It Was Expected
Some Nigerians said the outburst was characteristic of Fayose.
> “If this letter was truly from the birthday boy, then he hasn’t disappointed me. I said he would still insult Baba and he has proven me right.”
Another wrote:
> “A pig will not change, irrespective of the room or house you put him in.”
3. Split Opinions: Did Obasanjo Also Cross the Line?
A number of Nigerians faulted Obasanjo for the remarks he allegedly made at the event.
> “Even I was not pleased. Baba could have corrected Fayose privately, not at his birthday. Respect begets respect.”
> “If Obasanjo did not want to say anything good about him, he should have stayed away.”
Some felt Fayose had already shown humility by visiting Obasanjo to seek forgiveness prior to the celebration.
4. Questions About Family Guidance
Some Nigerians suggested that Fayose’s wife should have prevented him from sending the message — while others argued that the letter was likely sent without her knowledge.
> “His wife should have cautioned him.”
> “Do you think the wife knows? Men do things without telling their wives. This is one of them.”
5. Yoruba Proverbs Enter the Conversation
One user referenced a Yoruba saying to criticize Fayose’s attack on a man who once supported him:
> “A kì í mọ̀ pé iresi ní ẹ̀yẹ̀ àti okuta láti ẹnu aláìní.”You don’t hear about the flaws of something from the mouth of someone who depended on it.”
Another added:
> “He should not have invited him if he believed he belonged in the zoo.”
6. Public Sympathy Tilts Toward Obasanjo & Isaac Fayose
Some commenters sided with Obasanjo, while others praised Isaac Fayose for constantly warning the public about his brother’s behavior.
> “Now I believe everything Prince Isaac always says about his brother.”
> “May we not meet people like Ayo Fayose in the journey of life.”
The fiery public exchange between two prominent Yoruba political figures has revived long-standing conversations about cultural respect, political grudges, and the boundaries of public criticism in Nigeria’s political class.
As both men dig in, Nigerians remain sharply divided — with the feud showing no signs of cooling anytime soon.
