Obasanjo’s Neighbours Reject Isolation Centre

By Chuks Ekpeneru

Some neighbours of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the Presidential Hilltop Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State, have rejected his decision to donate his former residence on the estate for use as an isolation centre for suspected COVID-19 patients.

Dr. Obasanjo had announced the donation of his 32-room house on the estate to the Ogun State Government for use as an isolation centre in response to appeal by saying it was his contribution to the fight against the deadly viral disease.

In a telephone interview with a correspondent of The Punch, one of them said they were against the decision as it will expose them to the risk of contracting the highly communicable disease, particularly given the vulnerability of old people to the disease.

The senior citizen told the correspondent that they will deliver a letter of protest to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State this week.

He added, “We read it in the news with rude shock and disbelief  that the former President has donated his former residence located at the Presidential Hilltop Estate in Abeokuta to be used as isolation centre for victims of the dreaded coronavirus disease.

“While we thank the former President for his patriotic and philanthropic gesture, the purpose of this gift at this point in time is utterly reprehensible and therefore unacceptable.

“As elders we have discussed and we have made our position known in the letter which shall be delivered to the office of His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as soon as possible.

“There is no doubt that siting such an isolation centre in a residential estate is highly inimical and indeed a threat to the health of residents, many of whom are old people, who are more vulnerable to the attack of the dreaded pandemic.

“Should the government accept this gift for the intended purpose, would it not be a willful invitation to the untimely death of the aged in this community? For instance, Baba Olatunde Abudu is well over 91 years old and most of us are in our late and early 70s.”

The elder explained that aged old residents of the Presidential Hilltop Estate had confidence that the governor would come to their aid.

He said, “We sincerely appreciate the various steps being taken by the governor to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and we also pray for the quick recovery of the victims across the nations as well as a permanent stop to this deadly virus.

“We have no doubt that Governor Dapo Abiodun will save our soul from this donation from the former President.”

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