Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has finally addressed longstanding rumours about his paternity, dismissing claims that he has Igbo origins. For years, speculation has persisted that the retired military general and former head of state was born to an Igbo father from Anambra State. However, Obasanjo has now clarified his stance, stating that such claims only make him laugh.
Obasanjo made these remarks on Thursday, August 15, 2024, while receiving members of the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association, a prominent group representing major markets in Lagos State. The meeting took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The former president’s reaction to the rumours was brief but clear. According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo found the claims of his alleged Igbo heritage amusing, remarking, “It just makes me laugh.”
The rumours of Obasanjo’s Igbo ancestry have circulated for years, with many speculating about his roots. However, the elder statesman has never given much credence to these claims, often dismissing them as mere gossip. His recent comments further confirm that he finds the speculation unfounded and entertaining rather than troubling.
During the meeting with the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association, Obasanjo also took the opportunity to address the broader issue of national unity. He emphasized that no Nigerian should be driven away from any part of the country, regardless of their ethnic background. “We own this country together,” he declared, highlighting the importance of unity and coexistence among all Nigerians.
The meeting was not only an occasion to address the paternity rumours but also an opportunity for the group to seek Obasanjo’s support for a significant development project in the Southeast. The association’s leadership requested the former president’s backing for the establishment of the Owerri Central Market, a project that has been in the pipeline since the creation of Imo State.
Obasanjo expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting that the idea of the Central Market in Owerri has been around for a long time but has faced various delays. He expressed optimism that the project would finally come to fruition, describing it as a groundbreaking initiative that would be the first of its kind in the country.
“I am glad it is coming up again, and I hope this time, we are all going to make it real. It is going to be big, the first of its kind,” Obasanjo said, highlighting the potential impact of the market on the region’s economy.
The former president also offered to lead the marketing team for the project, demonstrating his commitment to its success. He expressed confidence in the interest and understanding shown by the governor of Imo State, who has been a key supporter of the project. Obasanjo believes that with the right backing and commitment, the Owerri Central Market will become a reality.
The market project is expected to be a major boost for the economy of the Southeast region, providing a central hub for trade and commerce. The involvement of a figure as prominent as Obasanjo adds significant weight to the initiative, potentially attracting more investors and stakeholders to the project.
In conclusion, Obasanjo’s meeting with the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association served multiple purposes. It allowed the former president to finally address and dismiss the long-standing rumours about his paternity, while also lending his support to a significant development project in the Southeast. His comments on national unity and the importance of every Nigerian feeling at home in any part of the country further solidify his commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness among all Nigerians. As the plans for the Owerri Central Market move forward, Obasanjo’s involvement is likely to play a crucial role in bringing the project to life.
