Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has dismissed rumours about his death, declaring that he remains strong and healthy at the age of 89.
Obasanjo made the remark on Wednesday while delivering a colloquium titled “Burden and Blessing of Leadership: Reflections from Global Africa to the World,” organised as part of activities marking his 89th birthday in Abeokuta.
The former president, who was born on March 6, 1937, condemned individuals circulating a fake letter purportedly written by him announcing his death, describing them as mischief-makers.
According to him, those spreading such rumours were wasting their time as he remained alive and healthy.
“They publish and circulate a fake paper credited to me that I am writing, giving notice of my death. That is their wish and surely not God’s wish for me,” he said.
Obasanjo added that he believed God had preserved his life for a purpose and that he would remain alive for as long as his Creator desired.
“God has assured me that He has more for me to do on earth and has given me the wherewithal to do it. Those who wish otherwise will be dealt with by God Himself. I dey kampe as usual,” he declared.
Beyond addressing the rumours, the former president used the platform to highlight what he described as a longstanding leadership crisis across Africa, which he said has hindered the continent’s development and prosperity.
“Africa is not a problem to be managed but a promise to be fulfilled through honest, courageous, selfless, incorruptible and transformational leadership,” he said.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Obasanjo cited his imprisonment during the regime of the late military ruler, Sani Abacha, as one of the burdens associated with leadership.
He argued that Africa’s challenges were largely the result of leadership failures rather than geography or historical factors.
“The primary cause is the failure of those entrusted with power to lead for the people and serve them rather than against them, to build institutions rather than subvert them,” he said.
Obasanjo also warned that many leaders who emerge with reformist promises often end up undermining democratic institutions, suppressing dissent, and governing for personal or family interests.
He urged African leaders to prioritise the development of strong institutions and accountability in governance while encouraging young Africans to actively participate in shaping democratic leadership.
Reflecting on his time in office between 1999 and 2007, he said leadership often comes with heavy responsibilities and difficult decisions, including those he faced while commanding troops during the Nigerian Civil War.
Obasanjo noted that leadership also carries blessings, citing achievements such as Nigeria’s Paris Club debt relief and the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as examples of decisions taken in the national interest.
He concluded by reaffirming that despite his age, he remains committed to contributing to national and continental development.
“God has assured me He has more for me to do on earth, and He has given me the strength to do it,” he said.
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