Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has weighed in on the heated exchange between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, describing the confrontation as a clash of “two deputy devils.”

The remark came following Fayose’s sharply worded message to Obasanjo after the former President allegedly made provocative comments at Fayose’s recent 65th birthday celebration. Sowore, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the intensity of the exchange, noting that Fayose’s insults toward Obasanjo were particularly striking. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

In[b] 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.”[/b]

The controversy began when Fayose sent a so-called “thank you” SMS to Obasanjo, which was later released by Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi. Contrary to its title, the message was a scathing critique of the former President’s conduct during the birthday event.

In the message, Fayose wrote: “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 to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong. 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 lost your sanity, or should I say, it 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 it. Your leopard will never change his skin.”

Obasanjo responded in a calm but firm manner, acknowledging Fayose’s message while returning the money referenced in the SMS. The former President 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.”

The exchange between the two political figures has captured widespread attention, sparking debate and commentary across social media. Many Nigerians have weighed in on the unusual public spat, analyzing the language used and reflecting on the long-standing political rivalry between the former President and the ex-governor.

Observers note that while Obasanjo maintained his composure in the response, Fayose’s direct and unapologetic approach has reinforced his reputation as a politically outspoken figure. The incident underscores the continued tension and outspoken interactions that frequently characterize Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly among prominent personalities.