Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, branding it as the “reign of Baba-go-slow and Emilokan.” He made the remarks during a keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, over the weekend.
Speaking on Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria, Obasanjo lamented Nigeria’s deteriorating state, attributing the country’s challenges to leadership shortcomings and systemic corruption.
“As the world can see and understand, Nigeria’s situation is bad,” Obasanjo declared. He warned that continued immorality and corruption would exacerbate societal issues, including insecurity, chaos, and youth unrest, further cementing the nation’s failing state status.
Highlighting mediocrity and incompetence as key contributors to the country’s struggles, Obasanjo underscored the need for responsible and exemplary leadership. He quoted Chinua Achebe’s iconic assertion from The Trouble with Nigeria: “The problem with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”
Obasanjo, however, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “Yes, there is hope,” as he urged for transformative leadership to address the country’s challenges. His remarks, particularly the critique of Tinubu’s leadership, have sparked conversations about the need for urgent reforms to steer Nigeria toward stability and progress.
