Olusegun Obasanjo celebrates 88th birthday in grand style

Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, celebrated his 88th birthday today, March 5, 2025, with a grand celebration attended by top dignitaries, political figures, and traditional rulers.

The event, held at The Delborough Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, was a gathering of influential personalities who came together to honor the elder statesman.

Among the distinguished guests were former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; and former Senate President Bukola Saraki alongside his wife, Toyin.

Traditional rulers and business moguls were also in attendance, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; billionaire businessman Razaq Akanni Okoya and his wife, Shade; and former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha.

The celebration also drew popular socialites such as E-Money, Obi Cubana, and Cubana Chief Priest, adding to the event’s prominence.

In honor of the occasion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid tribute to Obasanjo, describing him as an “extraordinary leader and statesman” whose contributions to Nigeria’s development remain significant.

In a statement commemorating the milestone, Tinubu highlighted Obasanjo’s decades of service, acknowledging his role in shaping the nation’s political landscape.

He noted that while some of the former president’s interventions in national affairs have been controversial, they have played a crucial role in influencing public policy and holding leaders accountable.

Reflecting on Obasanjo’s military career, Tinubu recalled his role in ending the Nigerian Civil War. As a colonel in the Nigerian Army, Obasanjo received the instrument of surrender from Biafran Army Commander, Col. Philip Effiong, in 1970, bringing an end to the conflict.

He also commended Obasanjo’s leadership following the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed in 1976, emphasizing his commitment to democracy, which led to the peaceful transition to civilian rule in 1979.

Tinubu further praised Obasanjo’s return to leadership as Nigeria’s democratically elected president in 1999, noting that his administration ushered in the Fourth Republic, which has now lasted for 25 years.

Beyond his time in office, the former president has remained an influential figure in both national and global affairs.

Tinubu described him as a “global peace ambassador and troubleshooter,” citing his contributions to conflict resolution, governance advocacy, and diplomatic engagements across Africa and beyond.

“At 88, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo remains strong and active. I pray that God grants him more years of wisdom and strength so that Nigeria and Africa can continue to benefit from his wealth of experience,” Tinubu said in part.

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