Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has, for the first time, addressed rumors about his alleged Igbo ancestry, stating that such claims make him laugh.
In the same breath, Obasanjo emphasized that no one in Nigeria should be forced to leave any part of the country, asserting, “we all own this country together.”
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, after Obasanjo met with the leadership of the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association—a coalition of major market leaders in Lagos State—on Thursday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
There have been past claims suggesting that Obasanjo’s father was an Igbo man from Anambra State. However, the former President, who has rarely commented on these allegations, simply remarked, “It just makes me laugh.”
Regarding the meeting, Obasanjo noted that the association’s leaders sought his support for the establishment of the Owerri Central Market, which is envisioned to be the best of its kind in the country.
He acknowledged that plans for the Central Market in Owerri had been in place since Imo State was created, but for various reasons, they were never realized. “I’m glad it’s coming up again, and I hope this time, we will make it a reality. It will be a significant project, the first of its kind,” he said.
Obasanjo also expressed satisfaction that the governor is showing the necessary interest and understanding, adding that he is confident the Owerri Central Market will be successful. He even expressed his willingness to lead the marketing efforts for the market.
Reiterating his stance on national unity, Obasanjo stated, “Having ensured that the Yorubas, Igbos, and Hausas came together to fight for the unity of Nigeria—not to drive the Igbos away but to bring them closer—if anyone suggests that someone should leave any place, it will be the person making such a suggestion who should leave.”
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