Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that leaders enthroned by Satan are destined to fail, while those chosen by God are more likely to thrive. Speaking during a virtual interactive session titled “Boiling Point Arena,” the former president explored the complexities of leadership and corruption in Nigeria.
Obasanjo argued that while many believe all leaders are divinely appointed, he disagrees. “A leader can also be made by Satan,” he remarked, emphasizing that while Satan wields power, it lacks the saving grace that ensures success. Using the biblical story of Job, he underscored Satan’s capacity to influence leadership, cautioning against underestimating this power.
On leadership preparation, Obasanjo maintained that divine guidance is crucial, adding, “Most successful leaders are prepared by God, and their placement increases their likelihood of success. But self-made leaders or those enthroned by satanic forces are bound to fail.”
Turning to the fight against corruption, Obasanjo described it as a deeply entrenched, multifaceted problem that demands consistent effort across regimes. Drawing from an analogy by a former Sultan of Sokoto, he likened corruption to a “babariga” (a traditional gown), explaining, “Fold it on one side, and it falls apart on the other. Once you let it go, it spreads even further.”
He criticized successive governments for allowing corruption to flourish, stressing that it requires daily and relentless efforts to combat. “Corruption is not a one-day affair, nor is it confined to a single administration. It must be addressed consistently to avoid spreading like wildfire,” he said.
Obasanjo also expressed frustration over Nigeria’s growing poverty, accusing current leadership of exacerbating the nation’s economic woes through poor governance and a lack of commitment to tackling societal challenges.
This discussion, aired on private radio stations in Abeokuta, Ogun State, delved into the former president’s reflections on his tenure and his perspective on Nigeria’s current trajectory.
