Obasanjo dismisses death rumours, says ‘I dey kampe’ at 89

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed rumours about his death, declaring that at 89 years old he is still strong and not dying anytime soon.

 

Obasanjo condemned the circulation of a fake letter allegedly written by him announcing his own death, describing those behind it as “never-do-well.”

 

The former president made the remarks on Wednesday in Abeokuta while delivering a colloquium titled “Burden and Blessing of Leadership: Reflections from Global Africa to the World,” held as part of activities marking his 89th birthday celebration.

 

Obasanjo, who was born on March 6, 1937, said his continued life and good health were evidence that God still has work for him to do.

 

“For my final note in this address, I want to point your attention to the work of some never-do-well.

 

“They publish and circulate a fake paper credited to me that I am writing, giving notice of my death, pafuka.

 

“That is their wish and surely not God’s wish for me. God has assured me that He has more for me to do on earth, and He has given me the wherewithal to do it.

 

“And those who wish otherwise are going to be dealt with by God Himself. I dey kampe as usual,” Obasanjo said.

 

The former president also used the occasion to reflect on Africa’s leadership challenges, lamenting that decades of poor leadership had slowed the continent’s development.

 

According to him, Africa possesses vast natural resources and human potential but has yet to fully translate them into prosperity and stability.

 

“Africa is not a problem to be managed but a promise to be fulfilled through honest, courageous, selfless, incorruptible and transformational leadership,” he said.

 

Obasanjo also highlighted the burden that often accompanies leadership, recalling his imprisonment and near execution during the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha.

 

He maintained that despite its challenges, Africa still holds enormous potential for prosperity, peace and global influence if the right leadership emerges.