By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly condemned individuals circulating a fabricated letter suggesting he had written about his own impending death, describing the claim as malicious misinformation and declaring that he remains healthy and active at 89.
Obasanjo made the remark on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a public colloquium held as part of activities marking his 89th birthday. The event, titled “Burden and Blessing of Leadership: Reflections from Global Africa to the World,” gathered scholars, political figures, and dignitaries to reflect on leadership and governance across the continent.
Reacting to the viral document circulating online, the former military ruler and two-term civilian president dismissed it as the handiwork of “never-do-well” elements attempting to create confusion. Obasanjo insisted the document falsely portrayed him as preparing Nigerians for his death, a narrative he described as entirely fabricated.
The elder statesman bluntly rejected the rumour, saying those wishing him dead were merely wasting their time because, in his words, “I dey kampe,” a colloquial Nigerian expression meaning he remains strong and healthy. He further stated that God still has more assignments for him on earth and that those spreading falsehood would face divine judgment.
Analysts say the incident reflects the persistent challenge of misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space, where fabricated political narratives often spread rapidly across social media platforms.
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