Wednesday, November 11, 2026

‘You’re an irresponsible madman who belongs in zoo,’ Fayose sends ‘appreciation’ text to Obasanjo

Mr Obasanjo, speaking at the birthday party, mocked a poultry project initiated by Mr Fayose when he was governor.

• November 17, 2025
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has described ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo as an irresponsible madman who belongs in the zoo.

Mr Obasanjo, while speaking at Mr Fayose’s 65th birthday held in Lagos during the weekend, had lambasted the ex-governor over their disagreements over the years.

In a press statement issued by Kehinde Akinyemi, special assistant on media to Mr Obasanjo, Mr Akinyemi said the ex-governor gave the call out in a ‘thank you,’ letter received by the former president.

The letter from Mr Fayose to Mr Obasanjo read, “Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low but I’m not surprised because someone once said you are supposed be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.”

Pouring out his mind further in the letter, Mr Fayose urged Mr Obasanjo to refund the money he gave to him as transport fare to his birthday party.

“I kept quiet or did not reply you at the function so that the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man that you are. It is also obvious that you have also lost your sanity OR should I say is the heightened stage of dementia. Not to worry Baba, I shall set the records straight in due course of time. Lastly, I shall appreciate if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received but Dangote brought you back. Your leopard will never change his skin,” the letter concludes.

According to the statement, Mr Obasanjo replied tacitly, “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. Obj.”

Mr Obasanjo, while speaking at the birthday party, had mocked a poultry project carried out by Mr Fayose while the latter was in office as governor, insinuating that the project was a farce.

The former president also chided the ex-governor over his request for a refund of his N10 million contribution to the Obasanjo Library, a project which many thought belonged to the Nigerian government at inception.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Health

WHO identifies critical gaps in Africa’s health information systems

The World Health Organisation has revealed critical gaps in Africa’s health information systems.

Hadiza Balarabe.

Heading 2

Uba Sani eulogies deputy’s late father at three-day prayer

Mr Sani stated, “His death will affect not only his immediate family but all of us who have come to regard him as our father.”

Abiy Ahmed and Recep Erdogan

World

Ethiopian, Turkish presidents explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties ahead of COP32

The leaders explored ways to deepen cooperation between their countries, building on their existing partnership and shared priorities.

Atiku Abubakar

NationWide

Atiku support group protests alleged non-release of ADC judgment’s CTC, writes CJN, others

The protesters said they would do everything possible to defend democracy and ensure the independence of the judiciary.

Politics

Aides donate vehicles, motorcycles, 7,000 wrappers for Gov Idris’ re-election

Mr Idris thanked the aides, describing the donation as a remarkable demonstration of solidarity, unity and collective commitment.