Daud Olatunji
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed displeasure over the name “Matthew” given to him by his parents, describing it as the name of a tax collector.
He argued that Africans must decolonise their names as part of efforts to break free from the lingering effects of slavery, slave trade, and colonialism.
Obasanjo, however, maintained his optimism about Nigeria, declaring that the country would attain greatness in his lifetime despite its current challenges.
He made these remarks on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a public lecture and book presentation to commemorate his 88th birthday.
The event featured the unveiling of two books titled: Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation, and Reparation and Nigeria: Past and the Future.
Speaking humorously about his name, Obasanjo said he no longer fancies “Matthew” and wondered why his late parents chose it instead of other biblical names he considered more appealing.
He referenced a recorded speech by Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, who called him “Matthew,” joking that Adesina could keep the name while he sticks to his native identity.
He said, “Akin Adesina wants to continue renaming 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 was forgiven and became the rock.
“ We have John. But for me, the name Matthew—I don’t fancy it. I don’t know why my father and mother decided on Matthew.
“They didn’t name me Peter, John, Samuel, or Moses. Those are beautiful names. Not even Joseph.
“So, Akin Adesina can keep his Matthew, I will keep my Olusegun Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo.”**
Despite acknowledging Nigeria’s challenges, Obasanjo reaffirmed his strong belief in the country’s potential, declaring that it would become a great nation before his lifetime ends.
“On ‘Nigeria Past and Future,’ it is for us to see where we have all gone wrong without any exception. And then, is there a way out? If there is a way out, what’s the way out? If we know the way out, how do we get there? And what should we do?
“But for me, I am an incurable optimist about Nigeria. Yes, the situation is bad, no doubt. But I believe that in my lifetime, we will have a Nigeria that we will all be proud of.”
Obasanjo emphasized that Africa must liberate itself from the residual impact of colonialism to achieve meaningful political and economic progress.
“The guest lecturer made us realize that part of our problem is what I may call the residue of slavery, slave trade, and colonialism. Until we can break ourselves completely out of it, we will not be able to make as much progress as we should,” he said.
He added that the African continent is still battling with the consequences of two centuries of colonial rule and slave trade, which continue to shape its socio-political and economic realities.
The event attracted notable personalities from different sectors, including political leaders, traditional rulers, and business moguls.
Among those present were Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi; his running mate, Yusuf Datti-Ahmed; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and billionaire businessman, Sir Kessington Adebutu.
Also in attendance were former governors, including Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), and Emeka Ihedioha (Imo).
Delivering a lecture titled “Echoes of the Past, Visions of the Future: Reflections on Slavery, Colonisation, and Nigeria’s Journey Towards a Promising Future,” Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, stressed the need for Nigeria to redefine its history and identity.
Osaghae called for a reorientation towards indigenous knowledge systems, cultural practices, and language preservation, noting that Africa’s true development must be driven by its own values and priorities.
The lecture resonated with Obasanjo’s long-held advocacy for African unity, self-determination, and political emancipation, as he urged Africans to reclaim their true identities.
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