Obasanjo Calls for Forgiveness at Asaba Massacre Memorial

On October 8, 2026, former President Olusegun Obasanjo called for forgiveness and reconciliation among the survivors and families of victims of the 1967 Asaba Massacre during a virtual address at the 59th anniversary memorial in Asaba. He described the massacre as a painful aspect of the Nigerian Civil War and emphasized the importance of preventing such tragedies in the future.

Obasanjo expressed deep sorrow upon receiving documents about the massacre from Chief Chuks Nduka-Eze, urging attendees to embrace forgiveness. In response, the Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge, acknowledged the possibility of forgiveness but insisted that true healing would not occur until a sitting president publicly apologized to the people of Asaba.

Azinge referenced a prior apology from former military Head of State Yakubu Gowon, stating that a current president's apology would be necessary for closure. He also questioned Obasanjo's "never again" appeal, recalling the Odi killings during Obasanjo's presidency.