Obasanjo’s mansion gutted by fire

Abiodun Onafuye/ Abeokuta

A section of the multi-million naira mansion of the former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo was up in flames today in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital. But for the timely intervention of officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the multi million naira palatial home would have been razed.

Witnesses said the fire broke out from the office of the Principal Secretary to the former President, destroying vital documents relating to the private and official
duties of the former President. The rooftop of the section was also damaged

There was a report of an injury sustained by one of the staffers of the former president, as frantic efforts were made to contain the fire. But the identity of the injured staff could not be ascertained.

The fire it was gathered started barely 20 minutes after Obasanjo had left his palatial residence for his former residence at Ita Eko area, also in the Ogun state capital.

The incident was traced to electricity power surge.

Obasanjo, later made light of the incident when he spoke with journalists, making a song out of a Yoruba proverb: “ile Obasanjo to jo ewa lo bukun, eyin journalists se ti ri, e ma ko lo beee (the Obasanjo house that was burnt will be replenished by beauty, you journalists continue to sing it go!).

The incident attracted a horde of sympathisers, political associates and family members to the former president. They included the State Chairman of the PDP, Sen. Dipo Odujirin, the representatives of the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa and Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shuaib Salisu, former
Minister, Onaolapo Soleye, Chief Anthony Ojesina, Barr. Habeeb Ajayi among others.