‘Your money has been returned’: Fayose, Obasanjo trade words after 65th birthday party

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose have engaged in a fresh war of words following Obasanjo’s remarks at the latter’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos.

Obasanjo, through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, disclosed on Monday, November 17, 2025, that Fayose sent him a strongly worded “Thank You” message after the event.

The message, Akinyemi said, was laced with insults and criticism.

Speaking as the special guest of honour at the celebration, Obasanjo told guests he had overlooked Fayose’s past “abuses” despite the former governor’s alleged lack of remorse.

He said that although Fayose sought forgiveness multiple times, he continued to act arrogantly.

The former president also revealed that Fayose did not personally invite him at first, instead sending former Minister Osita Chidoka to make initial contact, before later visiting him in person.

Obasanjo said: “Some people asked why I would attend Fayose’s birthday after the way he insulted me in the past. I told them not to worry. He remains one of my political children, even though not among the best.

“To get me to attend, he first sent Osita Chidoka. When he later called, I told him to come and see me, yet he still sent someone ahead to assess my mood before arriving. When he eventually came, I told him and his wife they had not behaved well. She asked for forgiveness, and I forgave them both.”

From hostility to healing: Obasanjo, Fayose bury long-standing political feud 

Obasanjo added that he attended the event to ensure the lessons from their past disagreements were not forgotten.

However, Fayose later sent a message thanking the former president for attending, while sharply condemning what he called Obasanjo’s “irresponsible comments” at the event.

The former governor said he chose not to respond publicly in order to “show the world the difference between a sane man and a mad man.”

Fayose also demanded that Obasanjo refund the money sent to facilitate his attendance.

He wrote: “Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate it, 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 or did not reply to you at the function so that the world would know the difference between a sane and a mad man. It is also obvious that you have lost your sanity or should I say, this is the heightened stage of dementia.

“Not to worry, Baba. I shall set the records straight in due course. Lastly, I shall appreciate it if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received it, but Dangote brought it back. Your leopard will never change its skin.”

Responding, Obasanjo dismissed Fayose’s remarks, saying the message “revealed who and what” the former governor truly is.

“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,” the former president stated.

The Star