An electrical fault has been identified as the cause of the fire outbreak at the Hilltop residence of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Senator Dipo Odujirin, told newsmen that “an electrical fault” triggered the fire outbreak.
Odujirin, however, said it was gratifying that no life was lost in the incident.
Reacting to the fire outbreak, which occurred at about 4:30pm, Obasanjo said it was a blessing in disguise.
Obasanjo likened the fire outbreak to the Yoruba proverbial burnt king’s house, which comes out looking better.
He said: “You have seen that it’s only the office of my secretary that is burnt.
“Ile Obasanjo to jo, ewa lobu kun, ile Obasanjo to jo, ewa lobu kun. Ile Obasanjo to jo, ewa lobu kun.
“Eyin press, e ma wibe, ewa lobu kun (Obasanjo’s burnt house will come out looking better. You press men start singing that chorus).
The fire, which started from the office of the secretary to the ex-president, raged for about an hour before it was put out.
Men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Ogun State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police and the State Security Service battled to contain the fire.
An unidentified NSCDC official reportedly sustained injuries while helping to put out the fire.
