By Oso Abidemi
A fresh political spat has erupted between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose following Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos over the weekend.
The controversy began when Obasanjo, attending the event, used his speech to mock a poultry project initiated by Fayose during his tenure as governor, reviving long-standing disagreements between the two leaders.
Fayose, who remained silent during the event, later responded in a letter that was made public.
In the note, Fayose expressed appreciation for Obasanjo’s attendance but condemned his comments as “very irresponsible,” adding that the former president “belongs in the zoo” and suggesting his behavior showed signs of dementia.
Fayose also requested the return of funds he had provided for Obasanjo’s transport, claiming Obasanjo had publicly admitted receiving it.
Obasanjo replied through his media aide, describing Fayose’s note as evidence of his unchanged character.
He confirmed that the money was returned via the individual who delivered it and remained unopened.
The exchange highlights the enduring tension between the two politicians, which dates back to the early 2000s and has involved disputes over governance, corruption allegations, and national political alignments.
The birthday fallout adds a new chapter to their long-running public disagreements, underscoring the persistent frictions within Nigeria’s political landscape.
