WorldStage– A fresh round of political drama erupted on Monday following a fiery exchange between former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The clash, which began as a private text message conversation, spilled into the public domain after Obasanjo’s media team released the full messages, triggering widespread reactions across social media and political circles.
The controversy began shortly after Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration over the weekend, where Obasanjo made an unexpected appearance and delivered a speech that mixed humour, criticism, and reflections on their long-standing feud.
Though many guests interpreted the remarks as a gesture of reconciliation, Fayose apparently felt otherwise.
According to the messages now making the rounds online, Fayose sent Obasanjo a post-event message expressing displeasure over what he described as “very irresponsible comments” during the speech.
He accused the former president of lacking decorum, questioned his state of mind, and demanded the return of money allegedly given for his attendance while suggesting billionaire Aliko Dangote played a role in persuading Obasanjo to honour the invitation.
Obasanjo’s reply was brief but pointed. He thanked Fayose for the message and said it only confirmed that Fayose had remained “unchanged and unchangeable.”
He added that the money in question had already been returned through the same intermediary in the exact bag in which it was given.
His media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, later issued a formal press release containing the full text exchange, effectively pushing the private quarrel into public view.
The exchange has reignited a rivalry dating back nearly two decades.
Fayose was impeached as governor in 2006 during Obasanjo’s presidency, a political episode Fayose has repeatedly blamed on Obasanjo.
Although both men have occasionally appeared to reconcile, tensions have often resurfaced.
Fayose’s visit to Obasanjo prior to the birthday celebration had been widely interpreted as an attempt to mend fences.
However, the public fallout from the event now suggests that whatever détente existed may have collapsed dramatically.
The story has dominated discussions on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands reacting to the leaked messages:
Many users mocked Fayose for inviting Obasanjo to an event and giving him a platform for what turned out to be a blistering critique.
Others highlighted the long history of political jabs exchanged by both men, suggesting the episode is merely the latest chapter in a turbulent relationship.
Political commentators have linked the drama to broader national political dynamics, with references to current figures and ongoing political realignments.
There has also been unrelated but parallel online commotion involving members of the Fayose family, adding additional layers of public interest.
Fayose has hinted that he will “set the records straight,” suggesting more revelations may follow.
Meanwhile, the episode has revived national conversations about political grudges, elder statesmanship, and the theatrics of Nigeria’s political elite.
