“Leaders Are Made by God” Limits Our Understanding of Leadership – Olusegun Obasanjo

Ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo expresses his disagreement with the notion that every leader is divinely appointed.

He noted that even Satan possesses the capability to elevate someone to a leadership position. Obasanjo made this statement on the evening of Sunday, December 8, during a Zoom interactive event titled “Boiling Point Arena.”

While answering a query about whether he views himself as a serendipitous leader, Obasanjo asserted that leaders are both divinely born and shaped.

“Thus, I would contend that most leaders are groomed by God and positioned by God, and when this occurs, the likelihood of success is greater than if one becomes a leader through their own volition, which may not be in accordance with God’s will. Furthermore, I do not accept the argument that every leader is made by God; a leader can also be influenced by Satan. Referring to the story of Job, remember that Satan roamed and presented himself before God, where He praised Job, but Satan argued that Job was loyal to God merely because of the blessings he received.

We must acknowledge the reality of Satan and his power; he may not offer salvation, but he wields significant power, and we should not underestimate the influence of Satan,” said Obasanjo.

Regarding the battle against corruption, the former Nigerian president indicated that leadership must be the starting point for any genuine effort to combat corruption effectively. He characterized corruption as multi-faceted and deeply entrenched in the socio-economic fabric of Nigeria.

“Corruption is highly multifaceted and deeply rooted. I believe it was the late Sultan of Sokoto, the father of the current Sultan, who remarked that corruption resembles a babariga; if you try to fold it on one side, it unravels on the other. When you attempt to control it from both ends, you cannot raise your hands, and the moment you lower them, it becomes undone. That is the nature of corruption.

It is not something that can be eradicated in a day. It is not limited to a single administration or even two; it necessitates persistence. It requires a continual effort. It must be addressed on a daily basis. If one administration is given slack, the problem escalates.”