Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, celebrated his 88th birthday today, March 5, 2025, with a lavish party attended by high-ranking officials, political figures, and traditional rulers.
The event, which took place at The Delborough Hotel on Victoria Island in Lagos, brought together a number of influential figures to pay tribute to the elder statesman.
The distinguished guests included former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; and former Senate President Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, billionaire businessman Razaq Akanni Okoya and his wife, Shade, and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha were among those in attendance.
Popular socialites such as E-Money, Obi Cubana, and Cubana Chief Priest attended the celebration, which increased the event’s visibility.
In honor of the occasion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid tribute to Obasanjo, calling him a “extraordinary leader and statesman” whose contributions to Nigeria’s development are still significant.
In a statement commemorating the occasion, Tinubu emphasized Obasanjo’s decades of service and acknowledged his role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
He stated that, while some of the former president’s interventions in national affairs have been contentious, they have played an important role in shaping public policy and holding leaders accountable.
Tinubu reflected on Obasanjo’s military career, recalling his role in ending the Nigerian Civil War. Obasanjo, a colonel in the Nigerian Army, received the instrument of surrender from Biafran Army Commander, Col. Philip Effiong, in 1970, effectively ending the conflict.
He also praised Obasanjo’s leadership after General Murtala Muhammed’s assassination in 1976, emphasizing his commitment to democracy, which resulted in the peaceful transition to civilian rule in 1979.
Tinubu also praised Obasanjo’s return to leadership as Nigeria’s democratically elected president in 1999, noting that his administration inaugurated the Fourth Republic, which has now lasted 25 years.
Beyond his term in office, the former president has remained a powerful figure in national and international affairs.
Tinubu described him as a “global peace ambassador and troubleshooter,” citing his work on conflict resolution, governance advocacy, and diplomatic engagements in Africa and beyond.
“At 88, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is still strong and active. Tinubu said, “I pray to God for more years of wisdom and strength so that Nigeria and Africa can continue to benefit from his wealth of experience.”
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