Iyabo Obasanjo Bello, daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has spoken about her relationship with her father, dismissing speculation that the two are no longer on good terms.
The former Ogun State senator made this known during an interview with TVC, where she explained that their relationship has evolved over the years into one that combines friendship with a deep family connection.
Iyabo, who is the eldest child of the former president, said their bond has changed as they have grown older, noting that she no longer requires the same level of parental guidance she needed when she was younger.
According to her, their relationship has moved beyond the conventional father-daughter dynamic, with years of shared experiences and mutual understanding strengthening their connection.
She also pointed to their upcoming milestone birthdays as an indication of the stage of life they have both reached. Iyabo said she would turn 60 next year, while her father would celebrate his 90th birthday in the same year.
Speaking about their relationship, the former lawmaker said:
“I am the oldest child. I don’t even know how to describe our relationship; we are more than friends now. I will be 60 next year, and he will be 90 next year. At this age, I don’t need a lot of fathering; we are more like friends, but friends with a deep connection.”
Her comments address speculation about a possible rift between the two and highlight the enduring bond they share despite the changes that come with age.
Iyabo’s remarks also reflect how parent-child relationships can evolve over time, particularly as children become independent adults and their interactions increasingly centre on friendship, understanding and shared experiences.