Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has sparked widespread reactions after playfully asking former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister Babatunde Fashola how he would like to be addressed. The exchange occurred at a public event, where Fashola approached Obasanjo to greet him. Speaking in Yoruba, Obasanjo jokingly inquired whether Fashola preferred to be called 'former governor' or simply 'former'. In response, Fashola said, 'Omo Baba,' a Yoruba phrase meaning 'child of the father'.
Background of the Two Leaders
Obasanjo served as Nigeria's president from 1999 to 2007, while Fashola was governor of Lagos State from 2007 to 2015. Their history includes a notable incident during Fashola's tenure when vehicles from Obasanjo's farm were impounded for traffic violations. In retaliation, Obasanjo allegedly seized Lagos State government vehicles and parked them at border areas between Ogun and Lagos. The matter was later resolved amicably.
Public Reactions on Social Media
The light-hearted moment between the two political figures quickly went viral, with Nigerians sharing memories and opinions. Social media user Bolaji recalled the earlier impoundment incident, stating, 'During the BRF regime, as the governor of Lagos State, he impounded OBJ farm trucks for going against traffic. Baba also grounded a couple of Lagos State Red BRT buses. The matter is long oo.' Another user, Àkókó Diplomat, added, 'There was an incident involving these 2 back then. When Fashola was the Lagos State governor, vehicles carrying goods from Obasanjo's farm were confiscated for violating traffic offences. What happened after? I will keep that to myself. Seeing face to face here, they will both.'
Analysis of the Exchange
Kayode Suberu commented on the interaction, noting that Obasanjo was teasing Fashola and that the former governor gave a wise response. 'Ọmọ ọlọgbọn ní BRF. Obasanjo knew what he was doing with that question. Fashola used wisdom to answer him. Yoruba and wisdom,' Suberu wrote. Ahmed Agboota drew a parallel to Obasanjo's recent interaction with Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He said, 'Three days ago, obidients were celebrating the bromance between OBJ and Obi like say Dem win election, but they don't know that all politicians get good release between each other. If na obidients group they will use this video to promote Peter Obi that even OBJ respects Obi.'
Conclusion
The video of the exchange continues to circulate on social media, highlighting the enduring public interest in the relationships between Nigeria's political figures. The incident underscores the complex history between Obasanjo and Fashola, marked by past conflicts but now seemingly resolved with humor and mutual respect.
