Obasanjo the stand-up comedian

Obasanjo told a joke like a comedian

Any Nigerian thinking of having a high profile stand-up comedian for an event need not look beyond former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who showcased his talent at the Ogun State Government House on Saturday.

He proved that, aside being a retired soldier, former president, and a farmer, he could also venture into stand-up comedy.

Mr. Obasanjo narrated to journalists, a joke he heard, which troubled him but reflected the Nigerian situation.

Of course, the Ota farmer also said it in a jocular mood.

“When God was creating Nigeria, he (the comedian) said Nigerian leaders were standing. But God started from Egypt, He created River Nile in an Alluvia soil and then He turned back and was going.

‘Then Arc-Angel Michael now called him and said “look, God …..” because he (Michael) was with Him. He said God then turned back and went to Libya; dropped and planted everything He wanted to drop with oil and then proceeded.

“So, when He eventually got to Nigeria, the first thing He did that surprised them most was that He dropped two big rivers down with them to confluence Nigeria. So they started arguing that this is so surprising.

“But He then later used gold, bauxite and so many lime-stone in abundance to beautify everywhere in the country. He then later dropped oil under our soil near the water and later in the water.

“Then Arc-Angel Michael now said; ‘Lord God Almighty, you are being too generous. This is too much!’ But then God replied: ‘don’t worry. I hope we would be able to have good people who will be able to manage it,” Mr. Obasanjo narrated.

It is not clear which of the numerous stand-up comedians the former president got the joke from, AliBaba is one of his favourites, but Mr. Obasanjo narrated it like a true comedian

It might have been a joke, but to Mr. Obasanjo, who ruled Nigeria for about 10 years, it reflects the Nigerian situation.