Tinubu Hails Obasanjo at 89, Celebrating a Legacy of Sacrifice, Prison, and Power as Nigeria Honors its Global ‘Kingmaker’

President Bola Tinubu has set aside political differences to celebrate a “giant of Africa.” In a heartfelt message released on Wednesday, March 4, the President hailed former leader Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on the eve of his 89th birthday, describing his “towering influence” as a force that continues to shape the destiny of Nigeria and the wider world.

In a statement that reflects a deep respect for the “State of Harmony” required among elder statesmen, Tinubu painted a picture of a man whose life is inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation. From the frontlines of the Civil War to the cold cells of Abacha’s prisons, and finally to the heights of Aso Rock, the President noted that Obasanjo has always been at the center of Nigeria’s most critical moments.

“Chief Obasanjo remains an elder statesman whose courage and sacrifices are significant,” the President noted. “Whether as a military leader handing over power to civilians or as the first president of our current democratic era, his zeal for Nigeria’s development is undeniable. His books and regular interventions reveal a depth of patriotism that only a few can match.”

The 89th birthday celebration isn’t just about speeches; it’s about service. Obasanjo’s foundation has spent the last week in the suburbs of Lagos, providing free surgeries and medical checkups for over 10,000 residents in Ikorodu and Alimosho a move that Tinubu’s camp described as a testament to the General’s “enduring commitment to the common man.”

As the “Balogun of Owu” prepares for a grand reception at his Presidential Library in Abeokuta on Thursday, March 5, the message from the current administration is clear: despite the occasional “controversial” political friction, Obasanjo’s place in history as a stabilizer and a global troubleshooter remains unshakeable. President Tinubu concluded his tribute with a prayer for more years of “good health and wisdom” for the man who continues to serve as Nigeria’s most outspoken political compass.