US embassy cable - 05LAGOS1865

C O N F I D E N T I A L LAGOS 001865 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR AF/W 
STATE FOR INR/AA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, NI 
SUBJECT: OONI OF IFE BACKS OBASANJO EXTENSION 
 
 
Classified By: Consul General Brian L. Browne for Reason 1.4 (D) 
 
1.  (C) In a November meeting, Consul General visited the 
Ooni of Ife, the most prominent Yoruba traditional ruler and 
one of the most influential traditional rulers in the 
country.  The Ooni is unabashedly pro-Obasanjo and his 
leanings were quite apparent in his reflections on current 
political outlook.  On the economic front, the Ooni urged the 
USG to proactively broaden business interests in Nigeria 
beyond the energy sector.  He suggested establishing a 
private sector blue chip committee to encourage greater U.S. 
investment in the country.  The Ooni was particularly unhappy 
with China's inroads into Nigeria's economy, and warned that 
their growing influence was inimical to both Nigeria's and 
the U.S.'s long-term interest. 
 
2.  (C) The Ooni further predicted none of the big names 
currently floated as likely presidential successors -- Atiku, 
Babangida, and Buhari -- would prevail.  He thought the next 
president would emerge from the relatively small stable of 
Nigerians who have shown themselves to be genuine advocates 
and practitioners of reform. 
 
3.  (C) The Ooni's most intriguing insight was that President 
Obasanjo was energetically pursuing a constitutional 
amendment to extend his current term by two years.  Two 
additional years would be sufficient time for the President's 
reforms to take root and for Obasanjo to groom a compatible 
successor.  Then Obasanjo could leave office secure in the 
knowledge that his work would not be undone, the Ooni 
asserted. 
 
4.  (C) Comment:  The Ooni is influential in the Southwest 
and he is a close ally and advisor to President Obasanjo. 
While the details of the proposed presidential extension may 
differ, the Ooni joins a growing list of interlocutors who 
state that Obasanjo will attempt to remain in office beyond 
2007 if the price for the extension is not too high.  End 
comment. 
BROWNE