A fresh war of words has erupted between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose after the ex-governor sent what he described as a “thank you” message to Obasanjo — one laced with blistering accusations and personal insults.

The message, delivered via SMS and released to journalists in Abeokuta on Monday by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, sharply criticised the former President’s remarks at Fayose’s recent birthday celebration.

In the text, Fayose accused Obasanjo of making “irresponsible comments” and described him as someone who “belongs in the zoo.” He further claimed he refrained from responding at the event to avoid a public confrontation.

“It is also obvious that you have lost your sanity, or should I say this is the heightened stage of dementia,” Fayose wrote. He added that he would “set the records straight” at a later time and demanded the return of money he alleged Obasanjo admitted receiving.

Obasanjo’s response, equally pointed though more restrained in tone, dismissed Fayose’s outburst as a reflection of his character.

“Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message which undisguisedly revealed who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable,” Obasanjo replied.

He added that the money in question had already been returned: “Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo who brought it and in the same bag as he brought it, unopened.”

The exchange has stirred fresh controversy around the long-running, often turbulent relationship between the two political figures, reigniting public debate over their past interactions.

The statement was issued by Kehinde Akinyemi, Special Assistant on Media to the former President, on November 17, 2025.