Days after the camp of billionaire businessman, and owner of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. put the lie to the satanic rumour that he had passed on, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is facing the same unenviable task, having joined the ranks of notable Nigerians who read their obituaries while alive.
On Tuesday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, a furious Obasanjo placed a curse on the masterminds of the rumour that he too had gone the way of all flesh while he is yet sound in body and limbs.
He debunked the rumour during the inauguration of the Old Garage/Oke Fia-Lameco Dual carriageway in Osogbo, Osun State, one of the projects being inaugurated Governor Ademola Adeleke to commemorate his second anniversary office, and cursed those behind it.
“Those who harbour such thoughts will not escape tragedy themselves,” Obasanjo said.
The former President could not understand while anybody would wish him dead. But when the rumour gained traction on social media, he recalled what he did to douse it.
“I heard the rumour that I was dead,” he began. “I saw it on the social media. I quickly told my children and my relations that it was not true and that I was alive. Those who want me dead, that is their wish but God still keeps me alive.
“Why would anyone wish me dead? Those who harbour such thoughts will not escape tragedy themselves.
“This kind of rumour is not only disturbing but shows the extent to which some people misuse technology. It is unacceptable,” Obasanjo stated.
The occasion was not all about rumours of death.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, while speaking at the event, said that his government was committed to the provision and development of infrastructure in the state.
“My dear people of Osun State,” he began, “our administration has constructed over 120 kilometres of roads across the state. Two major flyovers are also progressing to completion at Osogbo while works are progressing at the Ile-Ife flyover and Ilesa dualisation.
“I have redirected our efforts and plan at the completion of Iwo-Osogbo Road. We have added the dualisation of Odoori-Adeeke Road inside Iwo to be executed in two phases. The first phase will reach the Post Office and the Oluwo Palace, while the second phase will take off from the Post Office to Adeeke Junction.
“I want our people to note for the record that for all our projects and programmes, we did not obtain any loan. We only block leakages in the state’s finances and employ local content to moderate project costs and enforce high standards.
“For the second half of our government, I reassure all sons and daughters of Osun State that the government under my leadership will complete all ongoing projects. We will continue to address the infra and social needs of our people. We will strike a balance between hard and soft infrastructure.”