Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has once again taken aim at former President Olusegun Obasanjo, rekindling their long-standing political rivalry. Fayose accused the former president of consistently undermining Nigeria’s democratic institutions and using his influence to intimidate political opponents.
Speaking during a media session in Lagos on Tuesday, Fayose alleged that Obasanjo’s public posturing as an elder statesman contrasts sharply with what he described as “a history of political intolerance and dictatorial tendencies.” He claimed that several pressing national challenges today stem from what he called Obasanjo’s “failure to nurture genuine democratic values” during his time in office.
Fayose, who has repeatedly clashed with the former president since his first term as governor, insisted that his criticism was not personal but a call for Nigerians to “stop glorifying leaders who contributed to current national problems.” He added that Obasanjo’s frequent letters to sitting presidents were attempts to “retain relevance” after leaving office.
In response, sources close to the former president dismissed Fayose’s comments as “baseless and attention-seeking,” noting that Obasanjo had consistently spoken out on national issues out of patriotism. They argued that the ex-president remains one of the few Nigerian leaders willing to challenge government excesses and advocate reforms.
Political analysts say the renewed verbal exchange highlights deeper divisions within the political class ahead of upcoming national realignments. Many believe the Fayose–Obasanjo feud reflects broader tensions among influential figures battling for relevance and control within the opposition landscape.