Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that the most effective way to combat corruption in government is by starting at the top. Speaking on Sunday during the Boiling Point Arena program hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo underscored the importance of strong leadership and systemic continuity in addressing corruption.

“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head, that is where corruption has to be fought from. Corruption is very hydra-headed and eats deep,” Obasanjo said, citing an analogy by a former Sultan of Sokoto that likened corruption to a Babariga—a traditional robe difficult to handle from all sides.

Obasanjo warned that tackling corruption requires sustained effort across multiple regimes, highlighting the dangers of inconsistent leadership. “It’s not a one-day affair. It’s not a one-regime affair. It has to be consistent, continual, and a daily affair. Once one regime is let off, it spreads,” he remarked.

The former president also called for a shift in how leaders are recruited and appointed to public offices, stressing that not all leaders are divinely chosen. “Most leaders are prepared by God and are put in place by God. The chances of success are higher when that happens than when you make yourself a leader, which may not be the act of God,” he stated.

However, Obasanjo acknowledged that some leaders may not be divinely inspired, referencing the Biblical account of Satan’s influence in the story of Job. “People say all leaders are made by God, but I don’t accept that. A leader can also be made by Satan,” he added.

The retired general’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about governance and accountability in Nigeria, with corruption remaining a significant challenge across all levels of government.