…says his influence extends beyond Nigeria’s borders
The immediate past President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, on Wednesday hailed former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo at his 89th birthday, describing him as a courageous leader and defender of justice whose fearless voice continues to speak truth to power in Nigeria, across Africa and the wider world.
In a message celebrating the elder statesman, Adesina portrayed Obasanjo as a leader whose influence stretches far beyond Nigeria’s borders, noting that his credibility, moral authority, and long record of leadership have earned him enduring respect across generations and continents.
Reflecting on the former president’s consistent engagement in national and global debates, Adesina said Obasanjo has never hesitated to confront difficult questions of governance, democracy and justice, maintaining a reputation for challenging injustice and holding leaders accountable regardless of circumstance.
“He steps boldly into the battlefields of ideas and argument, unafraid to speak, unafraid to stand, and unafraid to be counted,” Adesina said, emphasisng Obasanjo’s courage in speaking truth to power while championing truth, equity and justice.
Adesina further described the former Nigerian leader as a disciplined thinker and decisive statesman whose counsel often becomes crucial when nations face turbulence or uncertainty, noting that in moments of crisis the world frequently turns to experienced voices capable of guiding public discourse and encouraging dialogue.
“When conflict rises and storms gather over nations, the world turns to voices of wisdom, and among those voices uniquely stands President Obasanjo,” he said.
The former AfDB president also reflected on Obasanjo’s remarkable journey from soldier to global advocate for peace, reconciliation and dialogue, noting that although he witnessed the brutal realities of war during his military career, he later emerged as a strong promoter of diplomacy and conflict resolution across Africa and beyond.
Drawing from Yoruba cultural wisdom about the responsibility of elders to guide and protect younger generations, Adesina said Obasanjo represents the ideal elder who does not merely warn society of looming dangers but actively helps it correct its course.
He described the former president as “an elder among elders,” a reconciler of differences and a defender of the weak.
Beyond politics and public office, Adesina portrayed Obasanjo as a father figure to many across Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.
Referring to him as “the Baba of Africa,” he said the former leader’s wisdom, courage and experience continue to inspire younger generations of leaders and citizens.
“As you turn 89, we celebrate not only the years you have lived but the lives you have touched, the conflicts you have calmed and the courage you have inspired,” Adesina said, while praying for continued strength, good health and vitality for the elder statesman.
Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and later as a democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007.