Obasanjo opens up on car accident that almost claimed his life

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, told Nigerians how his vehicle had a burst tyre along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway.

Saying he is hale and hearty, Obasanjo in a press release by his assistant, Vitalis Ortese, said it was true he had an accident, but that at the moment, he was in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, observing the Presidential election, which started yesterday.

Obasanjo had jetted out after attending the 80th birthday anniversary of Chief Kessington Adebutu in Lagos and was in high spirits preparing for the elections, until he started receiving calls from family members, friends and associates.

The statement reads in part: “He was indeed involved in an incident on the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, after Sagamu roundabout, while he was on his way to join in the celebrations of the 80th birthday anniversary of Chief Kessington Adebutu in Tinubu Methodist Church, Lagos.

“The vehicle, he was travelling in suffered a burst left tyre at the rear and swerved several times but did not hit any car in front or behind until it did a 180 degree turn and faced where it was coming from and he had to change vehicles.

“President Olusegun Obasanjo wishes to convey his deep appreciation to all those, who by way of calls, personal messages and prayers, and indeed members of the general public, who have shown overwhelming concern about his welfare.”

The incident occurred few hours after attending a memorial service to mark the 10th year death of his late wife and First Lady, Chief Stella Obasanjo, held at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.