Former President Obasanjo’s Estranged Wife Evicted from Abuja Home Over Unpaid Rent

Taiwo, the estranged wife of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has been evicted from her residence in Abuja due to unpaid rent, which had accumulated over several years. The property, located at 30 Jessie Jackson Street in Asokoro, had been under a 30-day ‘Pay or Vacate’ notice issued by the landlord. Despite this, Taiwo neither cleared the outstanding rent nor vacated the premises, leading to her forced eviction on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s head of state from 1976 to 1979 and later as president from 1999 to 2007, has long been separated from Taiwo. A source revealed to Fusion Chronicles Nigeria that she had been struggling to pay the rent on the Asokoro property and was publicly disgraced when her belongings were thrown outside. “Her properties are still outside the building,” the source added.

The eviction comes amid lingering tensions between Taiwo and the former president. In 2023, Taiwo accused Obasanjo of being a cruel husband during their time together, following his public disowning of her after she had pleaded for forgiveness on his behalf. Her plea came after Obasanjo faced backlash for criticizing traditional rulers in Iseyin, Oyo State, during a project inauguration. He had accused the rulers of disrespect for failing to stand to greet him. Taiwo’s gesture was met with a harsh response from Obasanjo, who claimed she was mentally ill and no longer his wife, despite their having two children together.

In retaliation, Taiwo launched a series of personal attacks against Obasanjo, accusing him of arrogance and an unrelenting sense of power. She recalled past incidents from their marriage, including claims that Obasanjo had once defended her by physically confronting his first wife. “It still pains you that I left and survived,” she said, further challenging the legitimacy of his current relationship. “How many of your wives did you marry officially with all marriage ceremonies performed?”