Olusegun Obasanjo warns that leadership failure is a sin against God and the people

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has characterized leadership failure as a ‘sin against God and the people’ entrusted to those in power. Speaking at the Leadership Empowerment International Conference (LEIC) Nigeria 2026 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo emphasized that leadership is the primary determinant of success or failure in any human organization, including families, businesses, and nations.

Obasanjo noted that while two organizations may possess similar resources and structures, their outcomes often differ due to the quality of leadership. He warned that leadership failure leads to ‘great calamity’ and prevents nations and institutions from making necessary progress. He urged leaders to take responsibility for their mistakes by acknowledging errors, showing remorse, and taking concrete steps toward correction.