Obasanjo: Leadership failure is a sin against God, humans

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared on Saturday that poor leadership is a grievous sin against both God and the individuals leaders are meant to serve. He made these remarks during the Leadership Empowerment International Conference 2026, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under the theme "The Gravity of Leadership Failure & Correction Methodologies."

Organized by the Perspectives Leadership Development Institute in partnership with the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute, the conference addressed the critical role of leadership in the success and failure of human organizations, regardless of their size or nature.

Obasanjo emphasized that leadership is the most crucial element that separates success from failure in any group, be it a family, business, state, or nation. He pointed out that even if two organizations possess similar resources and structures, their outcomes can differ significantly due to the quality of leadership. The former head of state also highlighted that leadership failure could have severe consequences, not merely limited to governmental bodies.

He warned that a nation's failure to progress would result from poor leadership, as would the lack of growth within a family when the leadership within it is inadequate.

The ex-leader urged leaders to take responsibility for their actions, acknowledge their mistakes, apologize when necessary, and rectify their errors. He stressed that the first step in rectification is to acknowledge one's mistakes, and then take corrective measures. Obasanjo warned that leaders who fail to own up to their failures are also disappointing God. He cautioned against leaders who attempt to justify their poor performance by pointing to longstanding problems, asserting that such an excuse is unacceptable.

Obasanjo reminded the audience that leadership is a responsibility bestowed upon them by both God and the people, and that failing to meet this duty can have dire consequences. He cautioned against leaders assuming they could escape the repercussions of their failures, emphasizing that they would ultimately pay the price for their shortcomings. In his closing remarks, Obasanjo encouraged the participants to leave the conference with a renewed dedication to improving their lives and contributing positively to humanity.