Obasanjo Dismisses Claims of Igbo Ancestry as ‘Laughable’

• Obasanjo dismisses claims about his Igbo ancestry as laughable, reaffirming his Yoruba heritage and commitment to Nigeria’s unity
• The former President expresses optimism about the Owerri Central Market project, praising the governor’s interest and the group’s entrepreneurial spirit

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to allegations about his Igbo ancestry, calling the claims laughable.

Rumours have circulated that Obasanjo’s father was from Anambra State. This claim gained traction during the 2023 election when he was accused of supporting the Labour Party’s Peter Obi due to these supposed Igbo roots.

In a statement released on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo acknowledged the allegations, saying, “It just makes me laugh.”

Obasanjo made these remarks while hosting the leadership of the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association, a group representing major markets in Lagos State, at the boardroom of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

During the meeting, Obasanjo expressed his belief that no Nigerian should be forced out of any part of the country, stating, “We own this country together.” He emphasized that the unity of Nigeria was fought for by all ethnic groups, not to separate but to unite.

He added, “So, if anybody says to me that somebody should leave any place, he will be the one to leave.”

The former President also mentioned that the group had reached out to him for support in establishing the Owerri Central Market, which is set to be a leading market in the country. He noted that the concept of the Central Market in Owerri has been considered since Imo State was created but has yet to be realized.

Obasanjo expressed his optimism about the project, saying, “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.” He also praised the governor’s interest in the project and expressed confidence in its success.

Chief Emeka Dallas Emmanuel, the group’s spokesperson, read a letter signed by Comrade Chinedu Ukatu and Evangelist Iwuchukwu Ezenwafor, stating that the market would be a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The group sought the former President’s support in making the international market a reality, which they believe could significantly reduce street hawking.