Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed rumours about his death, declaring that at 89 years old he remains strong and has no plans of “passing away anytime soon.”
Obasanjo made the remarks on Wednesday in Abeokuta while delivering a colloquium titled “Burden and Blessing of Leadership: Reflections from Global Africa to the World,” held as part of activities marking his 89th birthday. The elder statesman, born on March 6, 1937, condemned individuals circulating a fake letter purportedly written by him announcing his death.
“For my final note in this address, I want to point your attention to the work of some never-do-well. They publish and circulate a fake paper credited to me that I am writing, giving notice of my death,” he said.
“That is their wish and surely not God’s wish for me. God has assured me that He has more for me to do on earth and He has given me the wherewithal to do it… I dey kampe as usual,” he added.
Beyond addressing the rumours, the former president used the occasion to reflect on leadership challenges in Africa, lamenting what he described as a longstanding crisis of leadership that 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,” Obasanjo said.
He argued that Africa’s difficulties stem not from geography or history but from leadership failure, accusing many leaders of pursuing personal or family interests instead of building strong institutions and ensuring accountability.
“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.
Reflecting on the burdens of leadership, Obasanjo recounted his experience during the Nigerian Civil War, when he commanded the Third Marine Commando Division in the final days of the conflict. He said he chose not to shell Owerri despite pressure to end the war quickly, a decision he believed helped save civilian lives.
He also recalled his imprisonment under the regime of Sani Abacha, where he spent three and a half years and faced the possibility of execution.
Obasanjo described leadership as both a burden and a blessing, noting that leaders often carry the weight of national expectations. He cited achievements during his presidency from 1999 to 2007, including Nigeria’s Paris Club debt relief and the creation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to combat corruption.
The former president urged young Africans to take democracy seriously and commit to transparent, accountable, and transformational governance.
“A continent that fails its youth does not merely waste a generation; it plants the seeds of instability that will haunt the next several generations,” he warned.
Reaffirming his health and vitality, Obasanjo insisted that those spreading false news of his death were wasting their time.
“God has assured me He has more for me to do on earth… I dey kampe as usual,” he said.