The Olu of Orile Kemta in Ogun State, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, has strongly criticised former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over what he called an insulting and abusive “thank-you” message sent to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Obasanjo was the special guest of honour at Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration held last week in Lagos.
In a statement titled “A Royal Rebuke to Ayo Fayose,” Oba Tejuosho described Fayose’s message as unguarded, uncultured, and completely unwarranted.
Background to the Clash
On Monday, Fayose had attacked Obasanjo in a message reacting to the former president’s remarks at his birthday party.
He accused Obasanjo of making irresponsible statements and demanded that he return money Fayose claimed was sent to facilitate his appearance at the event.
In the same message, Fayose also used harsh words, including a comment suggesting Obasanjo belonged “in a zoo.”
Obasanjo later responded briefly, saying:
“Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message which clearly revealed who and what you are — unchanged and unchangeable. Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo, who brought it, in the same unopened bag.”
Oba Tejuosho Defends Obasanjo
In his Tuesday statement, Oba Tejuosho said Fayose’s conduct exposed “hollowness and haughtiness against nothing.”
He noted that Obasanjo is not only a former military Head of State and two-term civilian President but also a global statesman and respected Yoruba elder whose influence extends across Africa—achievements he said could not be belittled by Fayose’s arrogance.
Oba Tejuoso wrote:
“Mr Fayose, your recent message to Baba Obasanjo was not courage; it was reckless and unguarded noise. It shows moral confusion. Like Baba rightly said, there is a difference between being courageous and being foolhardy.
“You speak against an elder whose service, sacrifice, and discipline helped secure the ground on which you stand. You throw stones at a colossus while standing barefoot on a hill he built.”
He added that Fayose’s words did not injure Obasanjo’s honour but instead amplified his own “irrelevance” and “poverty of wisdom.”
“You Cannot Wrestle With History”
Oba Tejuosho reminded Fayose that Obasanjo remains a defining figure in Nigeria’s history.
“You were only 16 when Baba became Head of State. You had not tasted responsibility when he was already shaping national destiny, yet you now challenge the legacy of such a legend.
“Your political relevance is flickering like a dying lantern, yet you choose to bark at a lion the whole forest respects.”
The monarch noted that Obasanjo supported Fayose’s political rise, including his emergence as governor in 2003, and said it was disrespectful for Fayose to now speak to him “in such a demeaning manner.”
“Settle Differences Privately”
Oba Tejuosho said that if Fayose felt wronged, he should have reached out privately—just as he privately sought Obasanjo’s support for the birthday event—rather than sending a message he described as “disgusting and insulting to an elder statesman.”
