‘I refused to keep quiet,’ Obasanjo reflects on prison, leadership

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up about the personal challenge that led him to prison in 1995 under the military regime of General Sani Abacha, revealing that his outspoken stance on national and international issues ultimately led to his imprisonment.

Obasanjo was accused of involvement in a “phantom coup” to overthrow the military dictator, a charge he vehemently denied. He was tried by a military tribunal, found guilty, and sentenced to prison.

However, speaking at an interactive session with 15 young leaders from across Africa at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) over the weekend, the elder statesman described his prison experience as a turning point in his life.

The former President explained that his refusal to remain silent about national matters led to his incarceration. “Going into prison is really a challenge because I refused to keep quiet. For me, if there was anything to comment on, I did comment on them, and so, I landed in prison,” he said.

He reflected that his time in prison was part of the larger challenges he faced in life, emphasizing the importance of speaking out for what one believes in.

Obasanjo, who joined the military at the age of 42, later took to agriculture after leaving the armed forces. He acknowledged that he had settled into a quieter life when the call to action arose, leading him to seek the presidency in 1999 amid a national crisis.

He recalled the disillusionment and pressure that followed the difficult conditions in the country, which eventually spurred his decision to run for office.

In the session, which included young leaders from countries such as Libya, Morocco, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, South Sudan, Malawi, Egypt, and Cameroon, Obasanjo urged the next generation to take on leadership roles with responsibility and integrity.

“I joined the army at 42. I finished my career as a military officer, but I was still energetic and dynamic. So, I took to agriculture,” he said. “But when the situation in the country became dire, pressure started coming for me to help save Nigeria.”

Addressing issues facing Africa, Obasanjo commented on the continent’s escalating debt crises, attributing much of it to recklessness and corruption. He cited an example of a Nigerian state where a loan was repaid despite a carpet industry project that had not even been cleared for construction. “Most of the debts cannot be explained. Some, outright corruption,” he said.

He also lauded the Future Africa Leaders Foundation for its initiative to encourage leadership among youth across the continent, especially commending Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for hosting the 2024 edition of the programme.

The Star Prize winner of the 2024 edition, Julian New Ariori from the Republic of Benin, expressed gratitude on behalf of her co-winners, thanking Obasanjo for hosting the group and noting that their tour of the Presidential Library had provided a new perspective on leadership and exposure.

Participants also came from Togo, Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda, and Burkina Faso, with Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe, the Foundation’s Head of Media and Government Relations, accompanying the group.