Fayose Slams Obasanjo Over Birthday Remarks, Demands Refund of Transport Support

Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has strongly criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo following a public exchange that began during Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos over the weekend.

The dispute erupted after Obasanjo used his speech at the event to mock a poultry project initiated by Fayose during his time as governor, an issue that has long been a point of contention between the two political figures. Although Fayose remained silent at the venue, he later issued a scathing written response that soon became public.

In the letter, Fayose thanked Obasanjo for attending the event but described the former president’s comments as “very irresponsible.” He accused Obasanjo of stooping low and referenced past criticisms that likened the former leader to someone who should be kept “in the zoo.”

He further claimed Obasanjo’s behaviour reflected “a heightened stage of dementia,” adding that he chose not to respond during the event so that “the world would see the difference between a sane and a mad man.”

Fayose also asked Obasanjo to return money he said he gave him as transport support for attending the celebration, noting that the former president publicly admitted receiving it.

“Lastly, I shall appreciate if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received it but Dangote brought you back,” Fayose wrote.

Obasanjo, through a brief statement issued by his media aide, responded that Fayose’s message only confirmed “who and what he is, unchanged and unchangeable.” He said he had already returned the money through the person who delivered it to him and noted that the envelope was never opened.

The clash marks another chapter in the long-running feud between both men, which dates back to Fayose’s first term as governor in the early 2000s during Obasanjo’s presidency. Their rift deepened over corruption allegations, political differences and national issues.

Obasanjo, who has remained outspoken since leaving office in 2007, has recently criticised what he considers wasteful state projects, comments that have frequently led to confrontations with political leaders, including this latest encounter with Fayose.