Breaking: Obasanjo Drops His Christian Name ‘Matthew,’ Declares War On Colonial Legacies!

Obasanjo made this announcement on Wednesday during a public lecture and book presentation in Abeokuta, Ogun State, held in celebration of his 88th birthday.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The event was graced by notable figures, including:

• Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Yusuf Datti-Ahmed
• Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke
• Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele
• Business mogul Sir Kessington Adebutu
• Former Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), and Emeka Ihedioha (Imo)
• Traditional rulers and top politicians

The occasion also saw the launch of two new books by Obasanjo:
“Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation, and Reparation”
“Nigeria: Past and the Future”

Africa Must Break Free from Colonial Influence – Obasanjo

During his speech, Obasanjo stressed the need for Africa to fully liberate itself from the lasting effects of slavery, colonialism, and the slave trade to achieve true political and economic growth.

“Part of our problem is what I call the residue of slavery, slave trade, and colonialism. Until we completely break away from it, we will not progress as we should,” he asserted.

Despite gaining independence, he lamented that colonial influence still shapes Africa’s mindset.

Why Obasanjo Dropped ‘Matthew’

Obasanjo took the opportunity to advocate for the decolonisation of African names, explaining his decision to drop ‘Matthew.’

He humorously referenced Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, who had addressed him as ‘Matthew’ during the event.

“That brings me to Akin Adesina, who insists on renaming me Matthew. I have no problem with his evangelical mission, but for me, I do not fancy the name.”

Obasanjo’s move reinforces his stance on embracing African identity and rejecting colonial legacies.