Other ministerial offices


Federal Minister of Petroleum Resources
In office 1999–2007
President	Himself
Preceded by	Dan Etete
Succeeded by	Edmund Daukoru
Federal Minister of Works and Housing
In office 1974–1975
Head of State	Yakubu Gowon

Personal details

Born

Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo

c. 5 March 1937 (age 88)
(official date of birth)
Ibogun-Olaogun, Ifo, Southern Region, British Nigeria
(now Ibogun-Olaogun, Ogun State, Nigeria)

Political party

Peoples Democratic Party
(1998–2015; 2018–present)

Spouses

Esther Oluremi
Bola Alice
Lynda (deceased)
Stella Abebe (deceased)
Mojisola Adekunle (deceased)

Children

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, Olubumi Obasanjo, amongst others

Alma mater

Mons Officer Cadet School
Royal College of Defence Studies
National Open University of Nigeria (PhD)

Occupation

Politician
military officer
author

Nicknames

Baba Africa, Baba Iyabo, Ebora owu

Military service

Allegiance

Nigeria

Branch/service

Nigerian Army

Years of service

1958–1979

Rank

General

Battles/wars

Congo Crisis
- 1960 Force Publique mutinies
Nigerian Civil War
- Operation Finishing Touch
- Operation Tail-Wind

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (born around 1937) is a Nigerian general and statesman. He served as Nigeria's leader from 1976 to 1979. Later, he became the country's president from 1999 to 2007. He is known for being a strong Nigerian nationalist.

Born into a farming family in Ibogun-Olaogun, Obasanjo grew up in Abeokuta. He joined the Nigerian Army and became an engineer. He served in the Congo, Britain, and India. In the late 1960s, he helped fight against separatists during the Nigerian Civil War. He accepted their surrender in 1970.

In 1975, a military coup brought a new government to power, with Obasanjo as a key member. After the leader, Murtala Muhammed, was killed in 1976, Obasanjo became the Head of State. He worked to improve the economy and expand free school education. He also supported groups fighting against white minority rule in southern Africa. Obasanjo was committed to bringing back democracy. He oversaw the 1979 election and handed power to the new civilian president, Shehu Shagari. After this, he retired to his farm in Ota, Ogun. He wrote books and helped resolve conflicts in Africa.

In 1993, Sani Abacha took power in another military coup. Obasanjo openly criticized Abacha's government. In 1995, he was arrested and accused of planning a coup, though he said he was innocent. While in prison, he became a born again Christian. He was released after Abacha's death in 1998. Obasanjo then entered politics and won the 1999 presidential election. As president, he made the military less involved in politics. He also worked to stop violence between different groups. He helped reduce Nigeria's debt by selling off some government businesses. He was re-elected in 2003. Obasanjo was a big supporter of the African Union and led it from 2004 to 2006. His efforts to change the constitution to allow a third term were not successful and caused criticism. After leaving office, he earned a PhD in theology.

Obasanjo is seen as an important leader in Africa after colonial rule ended. He is praised for bringing democracy back to Nigeria in the 1970s. He is also recognized for his efforts to encourage cooperation across Africa. Some critics have accused him of corruption and human rights issues during his time in power. They also say he became too focused on keeping his own power as president.

Early Life and Education (1937–1958)
Early Military Career (1958–1966)
Nigerian Civil War (1966–1970)
In Murtala's Government (1975–1976)
Military Head of State (1976–1979)
Before Presidency (1979–1999)
Presidency (1999–2007)
Post-Presidency (2007–present)
Personal Life
Books by Obasanjo
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and Education (1937–1958)

Matthew Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo was born in Ibogun-Olaogun, a village in southwest Nigeria. His passport says he was born on March 5, 1937, but this was an estimate. He was one of nine children, but only he and his sister survived childhood. His family belonged to the Owu branch of the Yoruba people. He was raised Baptist because of the local church.

Obasanjo's father was a farmer, and Obasanjo worked on the farm until he was eleven. In 1951, he started primary school in Abeokuta. He then went to the Baptist Boys' High School in 1952. State grants helped pay for his school fees. He was a good student and a keen Boy Scout. During this time, he dropped his first name "Matthew" as an anti-colonial act. His father left the family, and his mother struggled financially. Obasanjo worked on farms, fished, and sold sand to pay for his schooling.

In 1956, he finished secondary school. He then moved to Ibadan and became a teacher. He passed the entrance exam for University College Ibadan but could not afford the fees. In 1958, he decided to become a civil engineer and joined the Nigerian Army for officer training.

Early Military Career (1958–1966)

Joining the Army and Training

In March 1958, Obasanjo joined the Nigerian Army. He saw it as a way to continue his education and earn money. The Nigerian Army was becoming more controlled by Nigerians as the country prepared for independence.

He was sent for training in Teshie in Ghana. In September 1958, he went for more training in Aldershot, southern England. He found the English weather and the school's atmosphere difficult. While in England, his mother passed away, followed by his father a year later. In 1959, Obasanjo returned to Nigeria and was stationed in Kaduna. Nigeria became an independent country in October 1960.

Serving in the Congo

Soon after, Obasanjo's battalion was sent to the Congo as part of a United Nations peacekeeping force. They were in Kivu Province. Obasanjo helped protect civilians from mutinous soldiers. In February 1961, he was captured but later released. He was promoted to temporary captain. His time in the Congo strengthened his belief in Pan-Africanism.

Return to Nigeria

Back in Nigeria, Obasanjo joined the Army Engineering Corps. In 1962, he trained at the Royal College of Military Engineering in England, where he did very well. He married Oluremi Akinlawon in London in June 1963. He returned to Nigeria and commanded the Field Engineering Squadron in Kaduna. He became a major in 1965. He invested his earnings in land in different cities. In 1965, he went to India for further studies.

Nigerian Civil War (1966–1970)

Before the War

Obasanjo returned to Nigeria in January 1966 during a military coup. He warned that the situation could lead to civil war. After the coup failed, another one happened in July, leading to violence against Igbo soldiers. General Yakubu Gowon took power. Obasanjo was posted to Lagos as the Chief Army Engineer in January 1967. Tensions grew, and in May, Igbo officer C. Odumegwu Ojukwu declared the independence of Biafra. Obasanjo helped block Biafran troops from attacking Lagos.

Leading Troops in the War

"Colonel Olu Obasanjo, Commander, 3rd division". New Nigerian Newspaper, page 7, 12 January 1970. End of the Nigerian civil war with Biafra.

Obasanjo was appointed to lead the Third Division attacking Biafra in May 1969. He showed courage and was wounded during his tours of the front lines. In December, he launched Operation Finishing Touch, capturing Umuahia on Christmas Day. This split Biafra in two. On January 7, 1970, he launched Operation Tail-Wind, capturing the Uli airstrip. Biafran leaders then agreed to surrender.

On January 13, Obasanjo met with the Biafran military commander. He insisted that Biafran troops surrender their weapons. He also urged citizens to stay home and guaranteed their safety. Obasanjo worked to prevent harm to the defeated population. He ordered his troops to stay in their barracks. Gowon's government made Obasanjo responsible for bringing Biafra back into Nigeria. He focused on restoring water supply and earned respect for his fair approach. His role in ending the war made him a national hero.

After the War

In June 1970, Obasanjo returned to Abeokuta as a hero. He was then posted to Lagos as Brigadier commanding the Corps of Engineers. In 1974, he studied in the UK. In January 1975, Gowon appointed him Commissioner for Works and Housing. He was responsible for building military barracks.

Obasanjo also started a business, Temperance Enterprises Limited, to prepare for his retirement. His marriage to Oluremi ended in the mid-1970s. In 1976, he married Stella Abebe.

In Murtala's Government (1975–1976)

The 1975 Coup

In July 1975, a coup led by Shehu Musa Yar'Adua and Joseph Garba removed Gowon from power. Obasanjo was not involved in planning the coup. The coup leaders wanted a government led by three brigadiers. They convinced General Murtala Muhammed to be the head of state, with Obasanjo as his second-in-command. Obasanjo was seen as the "work-horse and the brains" of the group. The new government worked to reduce inflation and fight corruption. They also began plans to return Nigeria to civilian rule by October 1979.

Foreign Policy Focus

Both Murtala and Obasanjo wanted to end European colonialism and white minority rule in southern Africa. Nigeria supported the MPLA government in Angola during its civil war. Obasanjo led a Nigerian group to Angola in February 1976. He said it marked the start of the fight against colonialism and racism in Africa.

Murtala's Assassination

In February 1976, General Murtala Muhammed was killed during a coup attempt. An attempt was also made on Obasanjo's life. The coup failed, and Obasanjo was urged by the Supreme Military Council to become the new head of state. He vowed to continue Murtala's policies.

Military Head of State (1976–1979)

Leading the Country

Obasanjo appointed General Shehu Yar'Adua as his second-in-command. He encouraged discussion and agreement within the Supreme Military Council. He emphasized national unity and encouraged Nigerians to recite the national pledge and anthem. He also held informal meetings to get advice from different people, including religious scholars and traditional chiefs.

Economic Changes

Obasanjo with U.S. President Jimmy Carter in the White House in 1977

Nigeria faced high inflation in the mid-1970s. Obasanjo introduced measures to reduce government spending. He focused on education, health, housing, and agriculture. Inflation dropped to 30% within a year. He also launched "Operation Feed the Nation" in May 1976 to boost farming. This project removed taxes on farm tools and subsidized fertilizers. In 1978, he introduced the Land Use Decree, giving the state rights over all land. This was meant to stop land hoarding.

Obasanjo continued to push for universal primary education. Enrollment in free primary schools grew from 6 million to 12.5 million. He also introduced free secondary education in technical subjects. However, university funding was cut, leading to student protests. Obasanjo closed some universities and banned political activity on campuses.

His government also worked to reduce the size of the military. About 12,000 soldiers were demobilized and given help to adjust to civilian life.

Foreign Relations

U.S. President Jimmy Carter with Obasanjo on the former's state visit to Nigeria in 1978

Obasanjo worked to make Nigeria a strong leader in Africa. He revived the World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture in Lagos in 1977. Nigeria became closer to the United States under President Jimmy Carter. Carter visited Nigeria in 1978.

Obasanjo strongly opposed white minority rule in southern Africa. Nigeria gave support to groups fighting against it. He announced that Nigeria would not participate in the 1976 Summer Olympics because New Zealand had sporting ties with South Africa. In 1977, he banned companies with South African links from operating in Nigeria. He also urged the US to stop selling arms to South Africa.

When Margaret Thatcher became British Prime Minister in 1979, relations with the UK worsened. Nigeria felt she was too sympathetic to white minority governments. Nigeria took action against British companies and nationalized British Petroleum's Nigerian operations.

Obasanjo also tried to mediate conflicts across Africa. He helped Benin and Togo resolve their border dispute. He also tried to resolve the Chadian Civil War.

Transfer of Power to Civilians

The military government created a new constitution. It proposed a system like the US presidential system, with an elected president. The goal was to prevent a dictator from taking power. The new constitution was announced in September 1978.

Obasanjo lifted the ban on political parties. Elections took place in July and August 1979. Shehu Shagari was declared the winner of the presidential vote. In October 1979, Obasanjo handed over power to Shagari. This marked the start of Nigeria's Second Republic. Obasanjo's role in returning Nigeria to civilian rule earned him a good reputation.

Before Presidency (1979–1999)

Life as a Farmer

After leaving office in October 1979, Obasanjo became a farmer in Ota. He wanted to encourage agricultural self-reliance. He bought a large amount of land and focused on poultry farming. By the mid-1980s, his farm was very successful. He also continued to support poor students.

Obasanjo became critical of Shagari's civilian government. In 1983, military figures asked him to take control again, but he refused. When Muhammadu Buhari became the new military head of state, Obasanjo initially supported him. However, he later criticized some economic reforms introduced by Ibrahim Babangida, who took power in 1985. By 1992, Obasanjo was calling for Nigeria to return to democracy.

International Work

In 1986, Obasanjo met with Nelson Mandela. He was greatly impressed by Mandela.

Obasanjo launched the Africa Leadership Forum from his Ota farm to keep his influence on the global stage. He also joined international groups discussing disarmament and security. In 1986, he co-chaired the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) for the Commonwealth of Nations. This group aimed to encourage the South African government to end apartheid. Obasanjo met with Nelson Mandela in prison and was very impressed. The EPG's report said that international pressure was needed to end apartheid.

After Mandela was freed, he visited Obasanjo at his home in Nigeria. Obasanjo also worked on developments in other African countries. He helped efforts to end the civil war in Angola and tried to mediate conflicts in Sudan and Burundi. He proposed forming six regional groups to bring Africa closer together.

Opposing Abacha and Imprisonment

Obasanjo worried that Sani Abacha, who seized power in November 1993, did not truly intend to return Nigeria to democracy. Obasanjo refused to support Abacha's government. He warned that Nigeria was heading towards another civil war. In June 1994, Moshood Abiola declared himself president and was arrested. Obasanjo advised Abacha not to arrest him.

In March 1995, Obasanjo was arrested and accused of being part of a coup plot. He denied the charges. He was moved between different detention centers. Former US President Carter asked for his release. Obasanjo was placed under house arrest for two months. He was later tried by a military court and sentenced to 25 years in prison. After international pressure, his sentence was reduced to 15 years.

Obasanjo spent time in Kirikiri and later in Jos prison. He said that in prison, he became a born-again Christian. He felt closer to God and his faith became very important to him. He also tried to help younger prisoners. Obasanjo feared he might be poisoned.

Abacha died suddenly in June 1998. The new military leader, Abdulsalami Abubakar, ordered Obasanjo's release a week later. Abubakar planned to return Nigeria to civilian rule by May 1999.

Campaigning for President

After his release, Obasanjo traveled for medical treatment. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was forming. Many PDP members saw Obasanjo as a good presidential candidate. They believed he could unite the country and earn international respect. They also felt Nigeria needed a southern president after many northern leaders.

Friends and family urged him not to run, fearing for his reputation or safety. But on October 28, he joined the PDP. A week later, he announced his candidacy for president. He promised to restore good governance. He gained significant financial support for his campaign. He toured the country, meeting influential people.

The PDP became the most successful party in the local and state elections. On February 14, 1999, Obasanjo was chosen as the PDP's presidential candidate. He selected Atiku Abubakar as his running mate. The presidential election was on February 27. Obasanjo won with 63% of the vote.

Presidency (1999–2007)

First Term

Seal of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Obasanjo moved into the presidential complex in May. On May 29, he took the presidential oath. He appointed an equal number of ministers from the north and south. Many critics felt his cabinet was too old and lacked experience. During his first term, Nigerians experienced more freedom, including freedom of the press.

In his first months, Obasanjo retired about 200 military officers. This made future coups by experienced officers less likely. He also moved the Defence Ministry to Abuja to bring it under closer government control.

Second Term

Obasanjo was re-elected in 2003. His main opponent was Muhammadu Buhari. Obasanjo won with 61.8% of the vote.

In November 2003, Obasanjo was criticized for giving asylum to the former Liberian president, Charles Taylor. In June 2006, he signed an agreement with Cameroon to end the Bakassi peninsula border dispute. He ordered Nigerian troops to withdraw from the area, even though the Nigerian Senate disagreed.

During his second term, he continued to expand the country's police force. In May 2004, he declared a state of emergency in Plateau State due to violence.

Third Term Agenda

Obasanjo faced controversy over a plan to change the constitution. This would have allowed him to serve a third four-year term as president. This caused a big political uproar in Nigeria. The plan was not approved by the National Assembly. As a result, Obasanjo stepped down after the April 2007 general election. He has denied that he personally wanted a third term.

However, some political figures, like Senator Ken Nnamani, claimed Obasanjo told them about his intentions. Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also wrote that President George W. Bush warned Obasanjo not to try for a third term.

Policies and Achievements

Economic Policy

Obasanjo with the Iranian President Mohammad Khatami in 1999

Obasanjo used oil revenue to create the Niger Delta Development Commission. He also started the Universal Basic Education Program to improve literacy. He set up anti-corruption bodies like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission. Nigeria's economy grew faster under Obasanjo, partly due to higher oil prices. Foreign reserves increased significantly.

He successfully negotiated debt relief from international creditors, reducing Nigeria's foreign debt by billions of dollars. When he took office, Nigeria's economy was struggling with high inflation and unemployment. His government aimed to reduce poverty and doubled the legal minimum wage.

Obasanjo believed in market efficiency and privatization. His government began selling off many state-owned businesses. He also tried to remove petrol subsidies, which led to a general strike. He blamed much of Nigeria's economic problems on corruption. He signed an Anti-Corruption Bill in June 2000.

Public Health Obasanjo's government increased spending on public health. He focused on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, creating a Presidential Committee on AIDS. He also launched a primary care campaign to build clinics in local government areas.

Foreign Policy

Obasanjo with Donald Rumsfeld at The Pentagon in 2001

Obasanjo worked to improve Nigeria's international reputation. He traveled widely, visiting many countries. He strengthened ties with the US and the UK. He also worked to resolve conflicts in other African countries, such as Sierra Leone and Liberia. He mediated disputes and supported peacekeeping missions.

Addressing Tensions

Bush talks with Obasanjo during a G8 Summit France, June 2003

When Obasanjo became president, Nigeria faced widespread unrest and violence. He doubled the police force to deal with this. He saw keeping Nigeria united as a major goal. He preferred forgiveness and reconciliation over military force.

In the Niger Delta, where oil is found, local groups wanted more control over oil money. Obasanjo created the Niger Delta Development Commission to help the region. In November 1999, he sent troops into Odi to stop violence. The town was largely destroyed, and he later expressed regret for the destruction.

He banned the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), a Yoruba nationalist group involved in violence. He also visited areas affected by religious and ethnic violence, urging reconciliation. In October 2001, after soldiers were killed in Zaki-Biam, Obasanjo ordered military action. He later apologized for the excessive force used.

Post-Presidency (2007–present)

Political Activities

Obasanjo visits Robert Mugabe -Zimbabwe General Election 2013

After leaving the presidency, Obasanjo became chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees. He resigned from this role in April 2012 and later withdrew from PDP political activities.

In May 2014, he wrote to President Goodluck Jonathan, asking him to help release the Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram. In February 2015, he left the ruling party. In January 2018, he advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to run for office again. He also launched a new political movement called "Coalition for Nigeria Movement" (CNM). In November 2018, he announced his return to the PDP. In January 2022, Obasanjo declared that he had retired from party politics.

Diplomacy and Education

Obasanjo was appointed Special Envoy by the UN Secretary-General to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He also led African Union election observers during the Zimbabwean election in 2013. In 2022, he helped mediate peace talks between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front, leading to a ceasefire.

In December 2017, Obasanjo earned his Ph.D. in theology from the National Open University of Nigeria.

Political Beliefs

Obasanjo speaking at the African Development Bank Group annual meeting in Kigali in 2014

Obasanjo is a strong Nigerian nationalist. He believes Nigeria should remain a single nation, not split along ethnic lines. His goal is for everyone to identify only as Nigerian citizens. His time in the army, working with people from different backgrounds, strengthened this belief.

He often emphasized consensus politics, believing that political parties should work together. He thought constant competition could be dangerous for a developing country like Nigeria. He has shown a flexible approach to politics and economics throughout his career.

Personal Life

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Obasanjo in October 2021

Obasanjo has been married multiple times. He married his first wife, Oluremi Akinlawon, in 1963. They had their first child, Iyabo, in 1967. They later divorced. He married Stella Abebe in 1976, and they had three children. Stella Obasanjo passed away in 2005 after a medical procedure. One of his sons, Adeboye Obasanjo, is a brigadier general in the Nigerian Army.

Obasanjo is ethnically Yoruba, but he always puts his Nigerian identity first. He prefers rural life over city life. He is known for his discipline and sense of duty. He is also very meticulous in his planning. He is described as having great energy and a sharp mind. He is cautious with money and lives modestly.

In his sixties, Obasanjo often worked long hours. He starts each day with prayers. He has diabetes and high blood pressure. He enjoys playing squash. After his time in prison, his Christian faith deepened. He became a born-again Christian and his worldview was strongly influenced by his faith.

Books by Obasanjo

My Watch Volume 1: Early Life and Military
My Watch Volume 2: Political and Public Affairs
My Watch Volume 3: Now and Then
My Command
Nzeogwu
The Animal Called Man
A New Dawn
The Thabo Mbeki I know
Africa Through the Eyes of A Patriot
Making Africa Work: A handbook
Forging a Compact in U.S. African Relations
Africa in Perspective
Not my Will
Democracy Works: Re-Wiring Politics to Africa's Advantage
My Watch
Challenges of Leadership in Africa
War Wounds: Development Costs of Conflict in Southern Sudan
Guides to Effective Prayer
The Challenges of Agricultural Production and Food Security in Africa
Addressing Africa's Youth Employment and food security Crisis: The Role of African Agriculture in Job Creation
Dust Suspended: A memoir of Colonial, Overseas and Diplomatic Service Life 1953 to 1986
L'Afrique en Marche: un manuel pour la reussite économique
Africa's Critical Choices: A Call for a Pan-African Roadmap

Images for kids

Obasanjo with U.S. President Jimmy Carter in the White House in 1977
U.S. President Jimmy Carter with Obasanjo on the former's state visit to Nigeria in 1978
The 1979 election of Margaret Thatcher as British Prime Minister contributed to deteriorating UK-Nigerian relations; Obasanjo deemed her too sympathetic to white minority governments in southern Africa
In 1986, Obasanjo met with Nelson Mandela. He related that it "was an encounter never to be forgotten. I saw in [Mandela] a South African indeed an African and a world leader of no mean order. He towered physically and metaphorically above all the leaders we met inside South Africa."
Obasanjo with the Iranian President Mohammad Khatami in 1999
Obasanjo with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin in 2001
Obasanjo with Donald Rumsfeld at The Pentagon in 2001
Bush talks with Obasanjo during a G8 Summit France, June 2003
Olusẹgun Obasanjo and the President of Brazil, Lula da Silva, in 2005
Obasanjo with George W. Bush in March 2006
Obasanjo visits Robert Mugabe -Zimbabwe General Election 2013
Obasanjo speaking at the African Development Bank Group annual meeting in Kigali in 2014
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Obasanjo in October 2021