Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his disagreement with the widely held belief that all leaders are made by God. During an interactive session on Zoom, titled “Boiling Point Arena,” on Sunday night, December 8, Obasanjo shared his perspective, suggesting that Satan also has the power to make a person a leader.
When asked if he considered himself an accidental leader, Obasanjo explained that leadership is both a divine and a human process. He stated that while most leaders are prepared and placed by God, the chances of success are higher when the leadership is divinely appointed, rather than self-made.
“So, I will say most leaders are prepared by God and they are 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,” Obasanjo said. He referenced the story of Job from the Bible, where Satan challenged God by arguing that Job’s righteousness was only due to God’s favor.
Obasanjo emphasized the reality and power of Satan, noting that although Satan has no salvation, he does possess significant power that should not be underestimated.
On the topic of corruption in Nigeria, Obasanjo discussed the need for strong leadership in the fight against it. He described corruption as deeply embedded in Nigerian society, likening it to a hydra-headed monster that spreads when not constantly addressed.
“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 on 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,” Obasanjo said.
He further emphasized that the fight against corruption cannot be a short-term effort. It requires continuous and consistent action, spanning multiple regimes. “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,” Obasanjo warned.
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