Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed disagreement with the idea that all leaders are divinely appointed. Speaking during a Zoom interactive session titled Boiling Point Arena on Sunday, December 8, Obasanjo emphasized that leadership can also stem from Satanic influence.

Responding to a question about whether he considers himself an “accidental leader,” Obasanjo explained that leadership often involves divine preparation. However, he rejected the notion that every leader is made by God.

“Most leaders are prepared by God, and when they are put in place by God, their chances of success are higher. But to say all leaders are made by God? I don’t accept that,” Obasanjo said. He pointed to biblical accounts to illustrate his belief, adding, “A leader can also be made by Satan. In the case of Job, Satan had the power to influence events and test Job’s faith. Satan is real, and his power must not be underrated.”

Obasanjo also addressed Nigeria’s ongoing battle with corruption, describing it as a complex issue that requires relentless effort. Using a metaphor, he likened corruption to a babariga, a traditional Nigerian garment that is difficult to manage.

“The late Sultan of Sokoto said corruption is like a babariga. When you fold it on one side, it falls apart on the other. You can’t hold it entirely. And as soon as you let your guard down, it falls apart again,” he explained.

He stressed that combating corruption demands consistent and daily action. “It’s not a one-day affair. It’s not a one-regime affair. It must be continual. If one regime relaxes, corruption spreads further,” Obasanjo warned.

Stating the critical role of leadership in tackling corruption, Obasanjo argued that progress begins at the top. “For the fight against corruption to succeed, it must start with leadership,” he noted. According to him, leaders must set examples and demonstrate unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption.