I prefer Nigeria over Oodua Republic as Yoruba man – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that he would choose Nigeria over the Oodua Republic, despite his Yoruba heritage.

Obasanjo’s comment comes in response to recent actions by freedom fighter Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Igboho, who submitted a petition to the United Kingdom government regarding the establishment of a Yoruba Nation.

Igboho had addressed the petition to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, asking his government to consider creating the Yoruba nation.

However, Obasanjo has distanced himself from this proposal.

The former president made this statement when a delegation from the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State governor Ibrahim Shekarau, visited him at his Abeokuta residence in Ogun State.

Obasanjo attributed the disunity in Nigeria to the regionalism practiced before the country’s independence.

He said: “It is high time we began working for the national interest. 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.

“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.

“I am undoubtedly proud to be a Yoruba but my being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of my being a Yoruba.

“We must get the best man for the job. It doesn’t matter where he comes from. We must get our acts together.”