Iyabo Obasanjo has recalled the atmosphere of uncertainty and controversy that surrounded the death and burial of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010, revealing that some lawmakers questioned whether the body returned to Nigeria for burial was truly that of the late president.
Speaking during an interview with Eagle7 Sports Radio, the former senator said the events that followed Yar’Adua’s death created confusion and suspicion within political circles at the time. According to her, she was serving in the Senate during the period and personally witnessed the tension and uncertainty that gripped many politicians and government officials.
Iyabo explained that the secrecy surrounding Yar’Adua’s prolonged illness before his death contributed to the speculation and rumors that later emerged after the announcement of his passing.
She disclosed that some senators became so doubtful about the situation that they reportedly sent individuals to secretly monitor activities at the airport when the late president’s body was brought back to Nigeria for burial in Katsina State.
According to her, the individuals were tasked with observing from hidden locations in order to verify whether the remains being transported were actually those of the deceased president.
Reflecting on the experience, Iyabo described the entire episode as dramatic and symbolic of the political uncertainty that often surrounds major national events in Nigeria.
In her words, “When I was in the Senate who would have believed a president would die and we don’t know if it was his body that was brought back. I was in the Senate and it was like all drama, we were sending spies to the airport to wait in the woods and look. There is always drama in Nigeria.”
The comments have revived discussions about the final days of Yar’Adua’s presidency, a period marked by intense political tension, uncertainty over presidential power, and widespread public concern regarding the late president’s health and absence from public view.
Yar’Adua died on May 5, 2010, after a prolonged illness, and was buried in his hometown of Katsina according to Islamic rites. His death eventually paved the way for then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to fully assume leadership as president of the country…See More
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