The long-standing tensions surrounding former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, escalated further on Monday as Isaac Fayose, brother of Ayo, openly condemned his sibling for his recent verbal tirade against the former president. The incident has added a surprising layer of family conflict to the already intense Obasanjo-Fayose clash that has dominated both political discourse and social media commentary in Nigeria over the past week.
Isaac’s public denunciation came after Ayo Fayose sent a controversial SMS to Obasanjo following his 65th birthday celebration, in which he described the former president as “irresponsible” and stated that he “belongs in the zoo.” The release of this message by Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, amplified the public attention on the Obasanjo-Fayose dispute and sparked heated debates across multiple platforms.
In a post shared on his Instagram page, Isaac stated that he wanted no part in his brother’s attack, describing Ayo as “a pig who will forever remain a pig.” He expressed his disappointment at the escalation, remarking that the situation had gone too far and that personal insults had overshadowed meaningful dialogue. Isaac’s post included a screenshot of Ayo Fayose’s message to Obasanjo, emphasizing the stark contrast between his own stance and that of his elder brother.
Isaac Fayose Distances Himself
Isaac’s Instagram post, terse yet fiery, underscored his firm stance: “A pig will forever remain a pig irrespective of the garlands you dress him in.” This statement highlighted his disapproval of Ayo Fayose’s public attack on Obasanjo and demonstrated his commitment to distancing himself from what he considered an unproductive escalation of family and political tension. By sharing the message publicly, Isaac ensured that Nigerians were aware of his position amid the ongoing Obasanjo-Fayose family clash.
The SMS that sparked Isaac’s reaction contained harsh criticisms from Ayo Fayose, who accused Obasanjo of losing his sanity and being in a “heightened stage of dementia.” Fayose also demanded that the money he claimed to have sent to Obasanjo be returned, adding that he refrained from reacting publicly during the birthday celebration to allow people to observe the difference “between a sane and a mad man.” These statements contributed to the public nature of the Obasanjo-Fayose family clash and intensified discussions about the propriety of such exchanges between prominent political figures.
Obasanjo’s Response
Former President Obasanjo issued a brief but firm reply, acknowledging Fayose’s message while maintaining a composed stance. He noted that the message revealed “who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable.” Additionally, Obasanjo clarified that the disputed money had already been returned through the same individual who delivered it, “unopened.” This response, though concise, further fueled the Obasanjo-Fayose family clash, as the public continued to scrutinize every development in the saga and debate the dynamics between the two figures.
Isaac’s condemnation of his own brother not only escalated the Obasanjo-Fayose family clash but also transformed it into a broader family drama, surprising many Nigerians who had been following the dispute primarily as a political feud. His decision to take a stand against his elder brother has prompted widespread commentary online, with social media users expressing shock, amusement, and concern over the public airing of grievances within the family.
Public Reactions
The Obasanjo-Fayose family clash, now amplified by Isaac Fayose’s remarks, has dominated discussions on X and other platforms, with users debating everything from family loyalty to political ethics. Many expressed disbelief that two brothers would confront each other so publicly over their differing views on a political figure. Others lauded Isaac for his courage in speaking out against personal attacks, emphasizing that his intervention may serve to temper further escalation in the ongoing dispute between Ayo Fayose and Obasanjo.
The incident underscores the complex intersection of politics and family dynamics in Nigeria, highlighting how personal relationships can influence, and sometimes complicate, public political discourse. As the Obasanjo-Fayose family clash continues to unfold, the eyes of Nigerians remain fixed on both the former president and the Fayose brothers, awaiting any further developments or reconciliatory gestures that may arise.