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From Popemobile To Beetle, Checkout The Cars Used By Olusegun Obasanjo As Nigeria’s Head Of State And President

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4 years ago

May 30, 2020

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From bulletproof Popemobile and Beetle, to Mercedes and bicycle, checkout some of the cars used by Olusegun Obasanjo before and during his reign as Nigeria’s Head Of State and President.

The cars, used by the former President, are displayed at the museum inside Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

The career of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is unique in that he ascended to the highest office in Nigerian political life twice.

First as a military head of state, following the assassination of Murtala Mohammed in 1976; and in 1999, as a civilian democratically elected president.

During those times, he served as military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and later as President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007.

In 2005, during his second term in office, the former president set up Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) with the aim of showcasing his life’s achievements.

The massive complex houses a library, The Green Legacy Resort, Museum, Auditorium, Amphitheatre, and the Adire and African Fabrics Centre.

But the library and museum are the centre-piece of the historic, tourist and academic centre. It houses two primary exhibits that detail the life and times of Obasanjo.

It showcases and displays various milestones in his 80 years of living; from his school report cards in elementary and primary school; to the gifts he received from world leaders while serving as Nigeria’s commander in chief.

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The Museum

The museum houses some Presidential artefacts such as Obasanjo’s first car; a Volkswagen Beetle; a popemobile; 504 official car; an SUV; a helicopter; as well as a miniature warship.

Bicycle

The bicycle is a replica of what Chief Olusegun Obasanjo used to navigate his Ota farm when he left government in 1979.

Volkswagen Beetle

The young army officer also rocked the iconic Volkswagen Beetle during the 70s.

According to reports, the Beetle was used to ferry OBJ around the country during the war periods. It was revealed that “discussions about the Nigeria civil war took place in the car.”

Nissan Patrol SUV

When he was implicated in the phantom coup of 1995, the Nissan Patrol Jeep was used to conveyed him and his late wife, Stella, to the State Security Service (SSS) office.

The SUV was also used to bring him back home after three years, three months and three days in prison.

It was also used to campaign before he became civilian president in 1999.

The Armoured Vehicle

The military tanks was used by Olusegun Obasanjo during his time as a soldier. The armoured vehicle was important to his military ferried him during his time in the Congo wars.

The Mercedes Benz Pope-Mobile

The Mercedes Pope-Mobile was used during President Obasanjo’s second term campaign.

The open nature of the bulletproof car was strategic because it connected man seeking office to the people searching for leaders.

Peugeot 504

The Peugeot 504 was Olusegun Obasanjo’s official car. In addition to being found in most families garage, the iconic was a favourite for most companies as an official car.