Obasanjo Debunks Rumours of Meeting Tinubu at Alake’s Birthday Celebration

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has cleared the air on the alleged meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the 80th birthday reception of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, on Thursday.

A video clip on a TikTok social media platform with “@asiwajuwoldwidef” as profile name of the account was posted to falsely claim that Tinubu and Obasanjo met at the occasion.

Obasanjo, who was in South Africa for the burial of his friend and brother, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, said the video was fake and misleading.

The Fake Video and Its Origin

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo condemned the fake post, which also lifted a banter conversation that took place between the two when he played host to the former Lagos State governor last year before the country’s general elections this year.

Akinyemi stated that the architect of the fake disjointed and sickening post should rather look elsewhere for the work he/she is looking for and not through him.

He said: “One, I have not seen Bola Tinubu since he visited me in my house in Abeokuta, when he was campaigning. Secondly, I was at the church and not the reception for Alake’s 80th birthday reception.”

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The Real Conversation and Its Context

To put the content of the video in proper perspective, it happened that during Tinubu’s visit to his house last year, he met the former President playing his favorite traditional game (ayo) and he started the banter, jokingly telling the former President that he was shocked to see him playing the ‘ayo’ game at that time of the day.

Spontaneously, as he was getting up from his chair to welcome him and other accompanying visitors, Obasanjo responded: “when I don’t have job. If you are ready to give me job, I am ready to do it.”

Shortly after, Tinubu was heard praying for longevity on Obasanjo as they both walked into the sitting room with others.

This conversation was recorded by some media outlets and can be verified from their websites.

Obasanjo’s Stand on Working with Tinubu

This is however contrary to the meaning the viral video is putting out as Obasanjo says, “I am not looking for work and I am not working with anyone as the fake news puts out. Those who are looking for people to work with Bola Tinubu should look outside Obasanjo.”

Obasanjo has been vocal about his views on the state of affairs in Nigeria and has often criticized the current administration for its failures.

He has also expressed his support for a new generation of leaders who can take Nigeria to greater heights.

He has not endorsed any candidate or party for the 2023 presidential election and has urged Nigerians to be vigilant and wise in choosing their leaders.

What You Should Know

The video of Obasanjo meeting with Tinubu at Alake’s birthday celebration is a fabrication and a distortion of facts. It is an attempt to misinform and mislead the public about Obasanjo’s position and relationship with Tinubu.

Obasanjo has denied any such meeting and has advised Nigerians to disregard the fake news. He has also warned those behind the video to desist from spreading lies and falsehoods.