By Adejoke Monsurat, Abeokuta
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has hit former President Olusegun Obasanjo below the belt by describing him as an irresponsible old man who should be kept in a zoo.
What triggered this response was the way Obasanjo spoke at Fayose’s 65th birthday party on Saturday, 15 November, in Lagos. That day, the former President took Fayose to the cleaners but added diplomatically that he had forgiven the former Ekiti Governor (whose appellation is Osokomole).
In Obasanjo’s words: “You are not the best of my political children, but you have made achievements that must not be ignored. Even to get me to come here, you could not approach me directly. You sent Osita (Chidoka) to come and sound me out. When Osita, who is also a political child, came, I said, ‘Well, if he (Fayose) has sent you and you have delivered the message, then tell him that you have delivered the message.’ Then, you phoned me and said, ‘Ayo,’ and I asked you, ‘Ayo, who?’ You said, ‘Ayo Fayose.’ I told you that you can see me anytime.”
“You did not come directly to knock at my door. You sent Folusho as an emissary to feel the pulse, and about an hour later, you came,” Obasanjo said.
“I told your wife, ‘Madam, you and your husband, you are not Omoluabi.’ She admitted and said, ‘Baba, you are right. Please, forgive us.’ Then, when you get that, what else can I do?
“So, you have asked for forgiveness, and as far as I’m concerned, you are forgiven. But the right lessons must be learnt,” Obasanjo said.
He said 65 years on earth is worthy of celebration, while referencing a biblical verse, “mourn with those who mourn, and rejoice with those who rejoice.”
He also paid tribute to him, saying he had made contributions worthy of note politically.
Obasanjo charged Fayose to reach out to others whom he thinks he has offended and resolve the matter. He also asked him to forgive those who have offended him.
As Obasanjo spoke, Fayose did not respond.
However, on Monday, Obasanjo came out smoking, aiming his verbal exocet at Obasanjo’s throat in a ‘Thank You’ text message sent to Obasanjo.
As contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State, by Obasanjo’s Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Fayose was quoted:
“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. You’re coming to my birthday party, and I appreciate it, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low, but I’m not surprised because someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.
“I kept quiet or did not reply to 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 it if you return my money since you publicly admitted you received but Dangote brought you back.
“Your leopard will never change its skin”, the letter reads.
Obasanjo also responded: “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.”
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