Refusing to keep quiet landed me in prison – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has shared how his outspoken stance on national and international issues led to his imprisonment under the military regime of late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, in 1995.

Speaking during an interactive session with 15 young future African leaders at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo reflected on his experiences. The session was part of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation’s mentorship programme, which included winners of the Future Africa Leaders Awards.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo recounted his imprisonment, attributing it to his refusal to remain silent on critical issues. He emphasized the importance of speaking out for justice, even in the face of personal risks.

Obasanjo recounted: “I joined the Army and at the age of 42, I finished my career as a military officer, but, what could I do? I was still young, energetic, and dynamic. So, I took to agriculture and during that time, I went into prison and that is not what I really wanted.

“Going into prison is really a challenge because I refused to keep quiet. For me, if there is anything to comment on, I did comment on them, and so, I landed in prison, and that is a challenge. And, when I came out from prison the situation was bad in the country that some people felt the need to be saved and pressure started coming.”