OBJ Tells His Guests
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, is a living testament to grace, resilience, and divine favor. His life’s journey reads like an epic story—one of survival, destiny, and an unwavering commitment to service. A few days ago, the world gathered at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta to celebrate his 88th birthday, a milestone that not only defines longevity but also the extraordinary life he has lived.
Beyond the accolades and the celebrations, what truly amazed many was the shocking revelation he made during his birthday reception—Chief Obasanjo has escaped death 19 times! In his words:
“I give all glory and honor to God Almighty for granting us this day and for bringing us this far. We praise Him, we thank Him, and we exalt His name for His abundant grace and favors upon us all. Personally, I testify to His goodness, and I always say that if you are looking for proof of God’s miracles, look no further than me.”
“Some of you may have read books written about me, where they describe me as an ‘escapist’—a man who has escaped death, not once or twice, but 19 times. And by God’s grace, it may yet reach 20. This is the foundation of my gratitude today.”
Obasanjo’s journey has been anything but ordinary. His brushes with death span decades, from the era of military coups to political imprisonment and countless close calls in Nigeria’s turbulent history.
One of the most well-documented instances of his miraculous survival was during the 1976 military coup that led to the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed. As the second-in-command at the time, Obasanjo was a primary target, yet he managed to evade the coup plotters and later emerged as Nigeria’s Head of State.
In 1995, under General Sani Abacha’s dictatorship, Obasanjo was accused of plotting a coup and sentenced to life imprisonment (later reduced to 15 years). This could have been the end of his story, but fate intervened—Abacha died suddenly in 1998, leading to Obasanjo’s release and his unexpected return to politics.
Even after leaving office in 2007, he has continued to defy the odds, navigating political storms, surviving threats, and outmaneuvering attempts to silence or sideline him.
Despite these close encounters with death, Obasanjo has remained steadfast in his purpose—serving humanity and his country. At his 88th birthday, he expressed deep gratitude to those who have stood by him over the years:
“I want to take a moment to appreciate all those who have worked with me over the years. When people commend me for my achievements, I remind them that I was born to fulfill a purpose, and whatever I have been able to do has only been by God’s enablement. Some of my closest associates have departed this world, and I pray that God grants them eternal rest. For those still with us, I deeply appreciate you.”
“I am humbled by the love and support I receive from people across Nigeria and beyond. When I see people travel from as far as Kaduna, Bauchi, Zaria, the South East, and the South-South just to be here, I know it is not by my power or strength but by the grace of God. I do not take this for granted.” At 88, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo remains a symbol of courage, wisdom, and divine favor. His story is proof that some people are simply destined to make history—not once, but over and over again. And as he himself boldly declared, “By God’s grace, it may yet reach 20.”
-Jamiu Abubakar
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