Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stirred conversations with his remarks on leadership, declaring that a leader installed by Satan is destined for failure, whereas one chosen by God is more likely to succeed.
Speaking during an interactive Zoom session, titled “Boiling Point Arena”, Obasanjo shared his insights on leadership, governance, and the pressing issues facing Nigeria today.
The virtual discussion, broadcast on select private radio stations in Abeokuta, Ogun State, provided a platform for Obasanjo to reflect on his political legacy and assess the current state of the nation.
During the session, the former president addressed the idea that all leaders are divinely appointed, challenging the belief as overly simplistic.
“So, I will say most leaders are prepared by God and they put in place by God and when that happens the chances of success are higher than when you make yourself a leader which may not be the act of God.
“And again people saying all leaders are made by God, I don’t accept that. A leader can also be made by Satan. In the case of Job, you can remember Satan was going up and down and went before God and God was commending Job but Satan said Job was upright to God because he has gotten from God.
“We must accept that Satan is real and he has power, he has no salvation but he has power and the power of Satan must not be underrated,” Obasanjo said.
Obasanjo also highlighted corruption as a persistent and complex problem undermining Nigeria’s progress. He described it as a “hydra-headed monster” that has deeply infiltrated every aspect of society, likening it to a traditional babariga garment—difficult to manage no matter how one tries.
He said, “Corruption is very hydra-headed and eats deep. I think it was the Sultan of Sokoto, the father of the present Sultan, who said corruption is like a babariga, if you are folding it one one side, it’s falling apart on the other side. When you carry it on both sides, you cannot hold your hands up and as soon as you put your hands down, it’s falling apart. And that’s corruption.
“It’s not a one day affair. It’s not a one regime affair. It’s not even a two regime affair. It has to be consistent. it has to be continual. It has to be a daily affair. Once one regime is let off, it spreads.”
