Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has underscored the need for Africans to prioritise indigenous name when picking names for their children.
He noted that this will help tear down the wall of slavery, slave trade and colonialism by Africans and instil a sense of nationalism in Africans.
Obasanjo, who spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a public lecture and book presentation to mark his 88th birthday, disclosed that he has since dropped Mathew from his name.
He stated that Africa must free itself from the shackles of colonialism in order to make progress politically and economically.
The books are titled “Lest we forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation” and “Nigeria: Past and the Future.”
Quoting some speakers at the event, the Ota – Farmer also pushed for what he called decolonisation of names, disclosing that he no longer fancy his name, Matthew.
Obasanjo jokingly referenced comments of the African Development Bank President, Dr Akin Adesina, in a recorded speech, where he called the former president Matthew.
He told the gathering that he would keep his native names – Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo – but Adesina is free to retain Matthew on his part.
Obasanjo wondered why his late parents named him Matthew, a tax collector, and not names like Peter, Samuel, John and Moses, which he described as “beautiful names.”
He said “And that brings me to Akin Adesina, who wants to continue to rename me Matthew. I have no problem with his evangelical mission. Matthew was a disciple of Jesus Christ, but he was a tax collector.
“We have Peter, who was a disciple, even though he denied Jesus but he was forgiven, and he became the rock. We have John. But for me, the name Mathew I don’t fancy it. And I said it was my father and my mother… I don’t know why they decided on Mathew. They didn’t name me Peter, John, Samuel, Moses. Those are beautiful names. Not even Joseph.
“So, Akin Adesina can keep his Matthew, I will keep my Olusegun Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo.”
The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the last election, Peter Obi, his running-mate, Yusuf Datti – Ahmed, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, Ogun Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako – Oyedele and the business mogul, Sir Kessington Adebutu, graced the occasion.
Former Governors, Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Emeka Ihedioha of Imo, traditional rulers and other top politicians were on ground to honour the former president.
