Olusegun Obasanjo

Early Life and Background

Olusegun Mathew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo was born on March 5, 1937, in Ibogun-Olaogun, a village in the present-day Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. His parents were farmers, and he belonged to the Owu branch of the Yoruba ethnic group. Growing up in a rural setting, Obasanjo experienced a humble beginning. His early life was marked by the typical challenges of rural existence in colonial Nigeria, where access to formal education was limited but highly valued. He was raised in a Christian household and later became a devout Baptist.

Education

Obasanjo's educational journey began at the village primary school in Ibogun. He later attended Baptist Boys' High School in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, from 1952 to 1958. During his time at Baptist Boys' High School, he excelled academically and displayed leadership qualities. After completing his secondary education, Obasanjo decided to pursue a career in the military, a path that was not common for young men of his background at the time. In 1958, he joined the Nigerian Army. His military training took him to various institutions both within Nigeria and abroad. He attended the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England, in 1959, and subsequently the Royal College of Military Engineering in Chatham, England, from 1959 to 1960. Later, he also attended the Staff College, Camberley, United Kingdom, in 1965, and the Indian Defence Staff College in 1965-1966. These extensive military education experiences provided him with a strong foundation in military strategy, engineering, and command.

Career

Olusegun Obasanjo's military career was distinguished and rapid. He rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, holding several command and staff appointments. He served in the United Nations peacekeeping force in the Congo in 1960. During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), he commanded the Third Marine Commando Division, which brought the war to an end with the acceptance of the surrender of Biafran forces in January 1970. This pivotal role elevated his national prominence. Following the war, he served as the Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing from 1975 to 1976. In February 1976, after the failed coup attempt that resulted in the assassination of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, Obasanjo, then Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, was appointed as the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He continued the programs initiated by his predecessor, notably the transition to civilian rule. True to his word, he oversaw the drafting of a new constitution and the conduct of general elections, culminating in the handover of power to a civilian government led by President Shehu Shagari on October 1, 1979. This act marked a historic moment as it was the first voluntary handover of power by a military regime to a democratically elected government in Nigeria.

After his retirement from the military, Obasanjo became a prominent farmer and a vocal critic of subsequent military governments, particularly that of General Sani Abacha. His outspokenness led to his arrest and imprisonment in 1995 on trumped-up charges of plotting a coup against the Abacha regime. He was released in 1998 following Abacha's death. Upon his release, he was persuaded to run for president under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He won the 1999 presidential election, marking Nigeria's return to democratic rule after years of military dictatorship. He was re-elected for a second term in 2003, serving until 2007. During his presidency, he implemented significant economic reforms, including the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to combat corruption, the privatization of state-owned enterprises, and the negotiation of significant debt relief for Nigeria from the Paris Club of creditors. He also played a crucial role in regional and international diplomacy, advocating for peace and stability in Africa through various initiatives, including the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

Major Achievements

Olusegun Obasanjo's achievements are multifaceted. As military Head of State, his most significant achievement was the peaceful transition of power from military to civilian rule in 1979, fulfilling a promise made by his predecessor. This established a precedent for democratic governance, though it took another two decades for it to be fully re-established. During his democratic presidency from 1999 to 2007, he stabilized Nigeria's nascent democracy after years of military rule. His administration achieved the landmark debt relief deal with the Paris Club, which saw Nigeria's external debt reduced by approximately $30 billion. He also spearheaded anti-corruption efforts through institutions like the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). His economic reforms, including the banking sector consolidation and privatization programs, aimed at improving efficiency and attracting foreign investment. On the international stage, he was a respected statesman, actively involved in resolving conflicts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other African nations, and advocating for African interests globally.

Personal Life

Olusegun Obasanjo has been married multiple times and has numerous children. His first wife was Mrs. Oluremi Obasanjo, with whom he had several children, including Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, who later became a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Another prominent wife was Stella Obasanjo, who served as the First Lady of Nigeria during his democratic presidency from 1999 until her untimely death in October 2005 during a cosmetic surgery procedure in Spain. His personal life has been subject to public scrutiny, particularly regarding his multiple marriages and family dynamics. He is known for his robust health and active lifestyle, even in his advanced age, often engaging in farming and public speaking. He is also a prolific writer, having authored several books, including his autobiography, 'My Watch.'

Legacy

Olusegun Obasanjo's legacy is complex and enduring. He is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in Nigeria's political history, having twice guided the nation through critical transitions – from military rule to democracy in 1979 and again in 1999. His commitment to democratic principles, as demonstrated by his voluntary handover of power in 1979, is a significant part of his legacy. His democratic presidency brought stability, economic reforms, and renewed international respect for Nigeria. He is credited with initiating crucial anti-corruption frameworks and securing massive debt relief. However, his tenure was not without criticism, particularly concerning allegations of corruption within his government and his unsuccessful attempt to amend the constitution for a third presidential term. Despite these controversies, Obasanjo remains an influential elder statesman, both in Nigeria and on the African continent, continuously engaging in peace initiatives, election monitoring, and advocating for good governance through organizations like the 'Africa Progress Panel' and the 'Brenthurst Foundation.' His life story embodies the challenges and triumphs of post-colonial African leadership.