By Sen. Ehigie Uzamere
Ayo Fayose recently made a controversial and demeaning statement about former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, saying: “Someone said you’re supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that is where you belong. I kept quiet or did not reply you at the function so that the world would 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 this is the heightened stage of dementia.”
— Ayo Fayose
This type of public outburst, directed at a former Head of State and elder statesman, reflects a deep lapse in self-control and decorum. No matter the provocation or disagreement that may have taken place at his (Ayo Foyose’s) 65th birthday celebration, basic civility demands restraint, especially from someone who has held high public some office. If Ayo Fayose could go an extra mile to invite Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to his birthday party, it shows he really wanted him at his birthday party and should have also gone an extra mile to respect such a person.
A true leader understands that silence, maturity, and respect speak louder than insults. Resorting to such derogatory language against Chief Obasanjo does not only diminish the dignity of the speaker; it also raises questions about upbringing, emotional discipline, and the values one displays and represents. In tense moments, silence is strength, and respect for elders is a virtue that should never be abandoned.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is a highly respected Nigerian, both internationally and at home. He is often regarded as the father of modern Nigeria, a statesman whose contributions to nation-building remain unmatched. His statements are potent, cerebral, and carry the weight of experience, leadership, and national interest. Such a figure deserves thoughtful engagement, not insults.
Beyond the immediate exchange, Fayose’s statement sends the wrong message to younger generations who look up to public officials for guidance. When leaders employ demeaning words against elders, statesmen, or institutions, they inadvertently promote a culture of disrespect and verbal aggression. Nigeria’s political climate is already heated; such utterances only deepen divisions rather than promote understanding.
Furthermore, our public space needs healing, not hostility. At a time when the nation requires unity, wisdom, and responsible leadership, public figures should elevate the tone of political discourse, not degrade it. Disagreements are inevitable in politics, but they must be expressed with decorum, guided by the values of respect and maturity. Leaders should set examples that inspire, not actions that embarrass the nation.
I therefore urge and encourage Ayo Fayose to tender an unreserved apology for his reckless and unfitting statement. Apologising is not a sign of weakness; it is an affirmation of maturity, responsibility, and respect for the office and legacy of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
In the final analysis, history often remembers not the noise people make, but the character they display when confronted with provocation. Fayose’s remarks may trend for a moment, but the lesson for all leaders is timeless: dignity is preserved through restraint, and true greatness is shown not in insults but in composure.
Senator Ehigie Uzamere