Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticised individuals spreading false information about his alleged death, declaring that he remains healthy and active despite rumours circulating online.
Obasanjo made the remarks on Wednesday in Abeokuta during a public lecture held as part of events marking his 89th birthday.
The elder statesman spoke while delivering a colloquium titled “Burden and Blessing of Leadership: Reflections from Global Africa to the World.” The event formed part of several activities organised to celebrate the former president’s life and contributions to national and global leadership.
Addressing attendees at the gathering, Obasanjo condemned the circulation of a fake document purportedly written by him in which he was said to have announced his impending death.
According to him, the document was fabricated by individuals he described as “never-do-well” elements whose intentions were clearly malicious.
He stressed that those spreading such misinformation were only wasting their efforts, insisting that he remains strong and healthy.
“They publish and circulate a fake paper credited to me that I am writing, giving notice of my death. That is their wish and surely not God’s wish for me,” Obasanjo said.
The former president emphasised that his continued life and strength at his age were a reflection of divine purpose, stating that God had kept him alive for more work on earth.
He further warned that those wishing him death would ultimately answer to God.
“God has assured me that He still has more for me to do on earth and has given me the capacity to do it. Those who wish otherwise will be dealt with by God Himself. I dey kampe as usual,” he declared.
Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State between 1976 and 1979 and later as a civilian president from 1999 to 2007, remains one of the country’s most influential political figures. Despite his advanced age, he continues to participate in national discussions on leadership, governance and development.
The viral fake letter had earlier generated conversations on social media before the former president publicly dismissed it during the birthday colloquium.
