Obasanjo warns against personalised power, urges institutional stewardship

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reaffirmed that leadership remains the single most decisive factor in determining the trajectory of nations, declaring that no society can rise above the quality of those entrusted with its stewardship.

Speaking at a colloquium held to mark his 89th birthday anniversary, themed “The Burden and Blessings of Leadership: Reflections from Global Africa to the World,” Obasanjo anchored his intervention on his 55+20 Leadership Framework, describing it as a practical compass for navigating the moral and institutional complexities of governance in Africa and beyond.

The former President described leadership as a burden that demands sacrifice, discipline, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.

Obasanjo further underscored the importance of institutional continuity over personal ambition, warning that the erosion of accountability and the personalisation of power remain recurring obstacles across many developing democracies.

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His words, “Leadership must be anchored on character, competence, courage, and commitment to the common good, stating that leaders must understand that decisions taken today will echo far beyond his tenure.

“If leadership lacks resilience, strategic clarity, and institutional stewardship, the consequences will manifest in weak institutions, economic stagnation, and social instability.

“But when leadership is visionary and responsible, it becomes a blessing that transforms societies, builds enduring institutions, and secures the future for generations yet unborn.”

Also speaking, a renowned educationist and policy expert, Peter Okebukola stressed the systemic challenges confronting leadership across l Africa, stating that the continent is confronted with democratic backsliding, fragile institutions, widening inequality, and the persistent challenge of sovereign debt burdens.

Okebukola stated, “Our education systems remain underfunded, fueling brain drain at a time when knowledge capital is the most critical asset for national transformation. In several regions, insecurity and terrorism continue to undermine stability, while climate change disproportionately affects our economies and vulnerable communities.

“Yet, amid these burdens, we possess immense potential, particularly in our diaspora, which remains an underutilised strategic asset.

“The question before us is whether leadership across the continent can harness these opportunities with integrity, foresight, and a genuine commitment to inclusive progress,” he added.

The colloquium was attended by scholars, policymakers, student leaders, and members of the public from different parts of the world, all of whom engaged in rigorous discussions on the pressures shaping governance outcomes in Africa.