Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has weighed in on a fiery verbal showdown between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, following an intense moment during Fayose’s recent birthday celebration in Ekiti State. The interaction, which quickly drew national attention, involved sharp exchanges and cutting remarks that have since gone viral across social media platforms.
Sowore, sharing his opinion on X (formerly Twitter), described the clash as a dramatic encounter, labeling it as a face-off between “two deputy devils”. He reacted specifically to Fayose’s pointed insults directed at Obasanjo, which came in response to comments made by the former President during the event. His commentary highlighted the unusual intensity of the confrontation between two high-profile Nigerian political figures, drawing widespread engagement from online users.
Sowore Reacts to Fayose’s Harsh Words
In his post, Sowore wrote: “Obasanjo versus Fayose when two deputy devils jam each other. The way Fayose insulted Obasanjo, telling him he ‘belongs to the zoo’ after Obasanjo made those unpleasant remarks at his birthday, was something else entirely.”
Sowore’s reaction followed a widely circulated text message from Fayose to Obasanjo, which the former governor framed as a “thank you” note but was laced with sharp criticism. The message, reportedly sent via SMS, was made public by Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, in Abeokuta and quickly attracted attention from journalists and political commentators alike.
Fayose’s Strongly Worded “Thank You” Message
Fayose’s message, while framed as an expression of gratitude for Obasanjo attending his birthday, did not hold back in criticizing the former President’s conduct. The SMS reads: “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 am not surprised because someone once said you are supposed be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.”
The message continued with sharp personal jabs: “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.”
Fayose’s text, combining personal critique and political undertones, quickly became a talking point on social media, prompting widespread debate and reactions from political enthusiasts, commentators, and the general public.
Obasanjo Responds Calmly
In response, Obasanjo issued a concise but firm reply, acknowledging the SMS and returning the money referenced by Fayose. He wrote: “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.”
Obasanjo’s measured response contrasted sharply with Fayose’s fiery message, emphasizing a calm and structured approach amid the heated exchange. The exchange has since fueled discussions across media platforms, with political analysts and social media users dissecting the interaction between the former President and the ex-governor. Many Nigerians have expressed surprise at the directness of the language used, noting that such candid communication between high-profile political figures is rarely seen publicly.
The public spat between Fayose and Obasanjo has sparked a broader conversation on social media about decorum, political rivalry, and the intensity of interpersonal conflicts in Nigerian politics. Netizens have shared mixed reactions, with some praising Fayose’s boldness while others commended Obasanjo’s calm handling of the situation. The exchange has also generated numerous memes, commentaries, and opinion pieces online, further amplifying the story nationwide.
