Deborah Akinyosoye
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.