Fayose Sparks Outrage, Says Obasanjo ‘Belongs in a Zoo’ in Thank-You Message

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has stirred Nationwide reactions after declaring that former President Olusegun Obasanjo “belongs in a zoo” in a thank-you message that quickly shifted from appreciation to controversy.

The statement, issued on Monday, was meant to acknowledge supporters who stood firmly by him through recent political challenges.

However, the message took a dramatic turn when Fayose launched a direct verbal attack on Obasanjo, accusing him of hypocrisy and persistent interference in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Though Fayose did not state what triggered the latest jab, the two political heavyweights share a long and turbulent history dating back to their days in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their rivalry has often erupted into public confrontations, with each man accusing the other of undermining democratic processes.

In the message, Fayose wrote, “I thank everyone who has supported me despite the odds. As for Obasanjo, he belongs in a zoo.”

The remark immediately sparked debate online, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians across political divides. Supporters expressed solidarity while critics condemned the statement as disrespectful and unnecessary.

Political analysts suggest the renewed tension may be fueled by deeper power struggles within the South-West political bloc, as well as longstanding personal grievances that continue to resurface.

While Obasanjo has not issued an official response, some of his associates dismissed the comment as “an unfortunate display of poor political conduct.”

As the Nation awaits a possible response from the former president, the decades-old Fayose–Obasanjo rivalry appears far from over.