We were thankful to arrive at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in one piece after a threacherous journey from Lagos to Abeokuta which wasn’t without incident, after navigating through the thickest of fogs this Monday morning.
However, the sprawling hilltop compound, surrounded by lush greenery and scattered boulders, immediately commanded attention and awe, while also calming frayed nerves.
The driveway was wide and smooth, leading us to the grand entrance of the library’s main building, a structure with clean lines and a subtle yet imposing design.
After parking, we began unloading our equipment—cameras, tripod stands, lights, and a transmitter. I lent a hand by carrying two of the tripod stands, knowing the videographer, Ope, couldn’t manage all the equipment at once. With everything in hand, we headed to the entrance of the main building.
At the entrance, we were met by individuals who appeared to be plainclothes security personnel. They inquired about our identity, and we explained that we were journalists scheduled for an interview with the former president. Naturally, they couldn’t allow us in without verifying the purpose of our visit—after all, this was the security of one of Nigeria’s most prominent figures.
While they sought confirmation from their superiors, we waited. The tripods were quite heavy, so I set them down to rest my arms. After what felt like a long moment, they returned, granting us access and assigning someone to guide us inside. Picking up the tripods once more, we followed our escort further into the building.
Inside, we took an elevator up to the top floor and emerged into a corridor that seemed to double as a gallery. The walls were lined with portraits of the former president—some captured him in moments of deep thought, while others showed him alongside global leaders. A stunning centerpiece, a carved wooden sculpture with intricate details, stood near a table surrounded by colorfully wrapped presents.
We stood in the middle of the corridor, waiting for further directions, when we were guided to a space just opposite the elevator. The videographer surveyed the area and asked the escort, “Is this where we’re going to set up?”
The escort responded, “Is this place okay, or should I show you somewhere else?”
After a brief pause, the videographer replied, “Let’s see the other place. We need somewhere quieter.”
That’s when we were shown a stunning living room—complete with a massive television, intricately designed rugs, and even more portraits and memorabilia. The grandeur of the space took our breath away. The room had an earthy yet sophisticated feel, with polished wooden floors that gleamed under soft overhead lighting. In one corner stood an enormous blue vase, its glossy finish adding a splash of bold colour to the room. The furniture—a mix of deep chairs and sofas—was upholstered in shades of cream and brown, with throw pillows that featured Chief Obasanjo’s face prominently.
Almost every corner of this room, from the walls to the tables, told a story of Obasanjo’s illustrious life. Every surface was a tribute to his legacy. The walls boasted portraits of Obasanjo shaking hands with world leaders like George Bush and Bill Clinton, while smaller frames rested on side tables and shelves.
The videographer began setting up, carefully adjusting the lighting to ensure the perfect balance for live broadcast. Midway through, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo made his entrance, moving with surprising agility for a man of his age; 87.
Dressed in a crisp white traditional yoruba attire, accented with a green fila (yoruba cap), he greeted us warmly.
“How long?” he asked, referring to when we would be done setting up. His voice steady but kind.
“10-15 minutes,” replied Ope.
With a nod, he left the room and stationed himself in the corridor, engaging in a quiet board game with others while we fine-tuned the setup. As a test subject, I sat under the lights, helping adjust the angles to ensure the camera would capture the former president in his best light.
When it was time to begin, Chief Obasanjo returned, taking his seat in front of the camera. His demeanor was composed yet reflective as he spoke about his late friend, Jimmy Carter, who had passed away just a day earlier. Obasanjo shared anecdotes about their relationship, highlighted Carter’s humanitarian legacy, and praised his tenure as the 39th President of the United States. The live interview, broadcast to the ARISE NEWS studio in Lagos and audiences worldwide, was seamless, with the Morning Show anchors Reuben Abatti, Ayo Mario-Ese and Vimbai Mutinhiri, asking thoughtful questions.
After the interview, Obasanjo’s lighthearted side shone through. “Are you happy?” he asked, trying to find out if we were satisfied with the interview— his face breaking into a warm smile.
“Yes, sir,” we replied in unison, laughing. The privilege of speaking with such an iconic figure was not lost on us.
Before departing, we requested a photo, which he graciously agreed to. In the picture, his bright fila stood out, a symbol of his enduring vibrancy. The session ended with a sense of fulfillment as we packed up the equipment and retraced our steps through the library’s stately halls.
The day was not just about conducting an interview; it was about capturing a moment in history. The visuals of his home—its colours, textures, and tributes—added depth to a narrative about a man whose legacy continues to shape the nation.
Melissa Enoch
The post Behind the Scenes: Interview with Obasanjo at His Presidential Library in Abeokuta appeared first on Arise News.
