Nigeria’s political landscape stood still today, March 5, 2026, as the nation celebrated the 89th birthday of former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ). Leading the tributes was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who issued a glowing statement describing the elder statesman as a “towering influence” and a “consistent pilot” in the preservation of Nigeria’s unity and democratic stability.
President Tinubu praised Obasanjo’s lifelong commitment to the Nigerian project, noting that his “visionary leadership” during his two terms as president (1999–2007) and his earlier role as a military head of state remain foundational to the country’s modern history. Tinubu also acknowledged OBJ’s role as a global peacemaker, representing Nigeria and Africa on the international stage with “unrivaled courage.”
Key Highlights of the Day:
- A Quiet Celebration: Unlike the grand symposia of previous years, the “Ebora Owu” spent the day privately at his hilltop residence in Abeokuta, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
- The “Cool” Godparent: The celebration comes just days after the octogenarian trended on social media for attending the directorial debut of his goddaughter, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. His appearance on the red carpet, looking fit and jovial, debunked recent health rumors and showcased his enduring bond with the creative industry.
- International Kudos: Tributes also poured in from African heads of state and global organizations, many of whom highlighted his ongoing work with the Obasanjo Presidential Library and his various peace missions across the continent.
Despite his age, Chief Obasanjo remains remarkably active, continuing to engage in national discourse and high-level diplomacy. As he enters his 90th year, he remains one of the most consequential figures in African history—a man who, in the words of President Tinubu, “has given his all to ensure Nigeria marches forward.”
