By Julius Uche | Fact Frontier.
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In a dramatic turn of events that has captivated Nigerian political circles, a public reconciliation between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has spectacularly collapsed, mere hours after it began. The fragile truce, forged at Fayose's 65th birthday celebration, was shattered by a blistering "Thank You" message from Fayose that lambasted Obasanjo and infamously suggested the former leader "belongs in the zoo."
The incident underscores the deep-seated and enduring nature of political rivalries in Nigeria, where public peace offerings can quickly give way to private venom.
The Birthday Reconciliation: A Short-Lived Peace
The drama unfolded on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the reception held in Ado-Ekiti to celebrate Fayose's birthday. In a move that stunned attendees, former President Obasanjo made an appearance. His attendance was reportedly facilitated by an intermediary, former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, signaling a potential thaw in a frosty relationship that has lasted for over 16 years.
During his speech at the event, Obasanjo struck a conciliatory yet pointed tone. He publicly declared that he had forgiven Fayose for past grievances, but he did not shy away from recalling their tumultuous history. He referenced advising against a failed multi-million naira poultry project and clarified his role in the funding of his presidential library.
Most notably, Obasanjo stated of Fayose,
You are not the best of my political children... but you are one of them, whether you like it or not, and whether I like it or not.These words, seemingly a mix of olive branch and subtle rebuke, would become the catalyst for the subsequent firestorm.
The SMS Salvo: "You Belong to the Zoo"
The public display of unity was short-lived. Shortly after the event, Fayose sent a "Thank You" message to Obasanjo via SMS. Rather than expressing gratitude, the message was a scathing attack. The contents of the message were later confirmed and released to the press by Obasanjo's media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi.
In the message, Fayose took umbrage at Obasanjo's birthday speech.
Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate except for your very irresponsible comments,Fayose wrote, as reported by Premium Times and Sahara Reporters.
He then escalated the insults, writing,
Someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely that’s where you belong.The "zoo" remark, a deeply derogatory term in the context of Nigerian political discourse, immediately drew widespread attention and became the headline-grabbing phrase from the exchange.
Fayose did not stop there. He continued,
I kept quiet... so that the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man that you are,and concluded by demanding a refund of a financial contribution he claimed to have made for Obasanjo's trip, stating,
I shall appreciate if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received but Dangote brought you back.
Obasanjo's Terse Retort and a History of Bad Blood
In a characteristically measured but sharp response, Obasanjo replied to the tirade. His response, also confirmed by his aide, was brief and dismissive.
Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable. Your money has been sent back…he stated, effectively closing the door on the fleeting reconciliation.
This latest episode is merely a new chapter in a long-running feud between the two political figures. The root of their conflict dates back to 2006, during Obasanjo's tenure as president, when Fayose was impeached as governor of Ekiti State under controversial circumstances. Fayose has consistently alleged that Obasanjo was the mastermind behind his ouster, a claim that has fueled years of public spats and accusations.
