Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his preference for a united Nigeria over the creation of an Oodua Republic, despite his Yoruba heritage. His comments come in response to efforts by Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo, known as Igboho, who recently petitioned the United Kingdom’s government to consider establishing a Yoruba nation.
Obasanjo made his position clear during a visit from a delegation of the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State governor Ibrahim Shekarau, at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He emphasized the importance of national unity and criticized the regionalism that existed prior to Nigeria’s independence, which he believes contributed to the country’s ongoing disunity.
“It is high time we began working for the national interest,” Obasanjo stated. “Yes, you have identified your group as the League of Northern Democrats, but how I wish you called your group the National League of Democrats because where you come from should not be a problem.”
Obasanjo further highlighted the importance of prioritizing national identity over regional affiliations. “Where I was born should not be the enemy of my being a Nigerian. It will be greater to be a Nigerian than to be a member of the Republic of Oodua,” he declared. “I am undoubtedly proud to be a Yoruba, but my being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of my being a Yoruba.”
He concluded by stressing the need for merit-based leadership, saying, “We must get the best man for the job. It doesn’t matter where he comes from. We must get our acts together.”