Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has again admitted that he is unsure of his exact age, saying his only reliable clue comes from the ages of his surviving primary and secondary school classmates—none of whom is younger than 90.
Obasanjo made the revelation on Sunday during the Toyin Falola Interview Series themed “A Conversation with His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,” which also featured Bishop Matthew Kukah and former presidential candidate, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu.
The former president said although he has preserved extensive personal records and historical documents in his presidential library, his date of birth remains uncertain because births were not formally recorded in many communities at the time.
‘I can only guess from classmates’ ages’
“I don’t know my exact age,” Obasanjo stated. “But I can judge from those who were in school with me. Six of my classmates from secondary school are still alive and none of them is less than 90 years old. So, I leave you to guess what my age could be.”
He also referenced the Olubara of Ibara, Oba Jacob Olufemi Omolade, a contemporary of his who is still alive.
Despite the uncertainty around his birth year, Obasanjo said he has preserved one of the most extensive personal archives of any Nigerian leader, including his primary and secondary school record cards.
Obasanjo said he established the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) to safeguard national memory and prevent the disappearance of important records.
“We have digitalised over three million materials and we still have about three million to go,” he said. “When these materials are digitalised, people can have access to them. We preserve the past, take note of the present and inspire the future.”
He disclosed that the library holds sensitive documents such as a letter he wrote to Gen. Sani Abacha after his son’s death and another written to his wife during his imprisonment.
“I believe one of the things we don’t do too well in our society is keeping records. Institutional memory is not what we do very well,” he added.
The former president said the archive also contains manuscripts of books he wrote in prison and even crops he planted while incarcerated.
Obasanjo’s comments once again reopen public curiosity about his true age—an issue that has trailed the former head of state for decades and remains unresolved despite his extensive personal documentation
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment