Obasanjo stirs age mystery again as surviving classmates all cross 90

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria has reignited a long running public curiosity about his true age, admitting once more that he does not know when he was born, but estimating his years through the classmates who shared his earliest schooling six of whom are still alive and all now above 90.

Obasanjo made the remark while reflecting on his early childhood, reiterating that the absence of formal birth records in his community at the time has left his exact age uncertain. His latest disclosure adds a fresh dimension to a decades-old conversation about one of Nigeria’s most prominent elder statesmen, whose life has spanned colonial rule, independence, military leadership, democratic governance, and decades of post-office influence.

The former president explained that his only reliable indicators are the ages of his surviving primary school mates, all older than 90, which suggests he is likely within the same range. The revelation underscores a broader generational reality in many Nigerian and African communities where births, especially in rural areas, were rarely documented before the mid-20th century.

Obasanjo’s comments also reignite discussions about Nigeria’s historical record-keeping and the longstanding cultural practice of age approximation. For many citizens born before widespread hospital deliveries and standardized documentation, birthdays were often tied to harvest seasons, communal events, or memories passed down by parents, many of which are imprecise or contested.

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Beyond the curiosity surrounding his age, Obasanjo’s reflections highlight the significance of longevity among his peers. That six of his primary school classmates are still alive and thriving suggests not only remarkable personal resilience but also a testament to the health outcomes of a generation that grew up in rural, agrarian settings with minimal processed foods, high levels of physical activity, and strong communal ties.

Yet, the former president’s statement also opens conversations about Nigeria’s demographic shifts. As life expectancy in the country hovers around the early 60s, the idea that many of Obasanjo’s contemporaries have surpassed 90 points to stark contrasts in access to healthcare, nutrition, living conditions, and stress factors across generations and socioeconomic groups.

The remark arrives at a time when Obasanjo remains an influential voice in national affairs, regularly weighing in on governance, leadership, democracy, and Africa’s role in global politics. His continued vitality marked by frequent public engagements, international travels, and participation in policy dialogue further fuels public interest in how old he truly is.

Observers note that Obasanjo’s willingness to speak openly about his uncertain age adds a humanizing layer to a figure often seen through the lens of power and history. It also serves as a reminder of the informal structures that shaped early life in rural Nigeria and the evolving challenges of documentation in the modern era.

As the debate sobre his age resurfaces, one reality appears unchanged: Obasanjo remains firmly rooted in Nigeria’s political consciousness, and his reflections whether on governance or personal history continue to generate national attention. The former president may not know his birthday, but his imprint on the country’s story remains unmistakably clear.

Athekame Kenneth is a politics, economy, and finance reporter whose work is anchored in sharp investigative storytelling. He brings analytical depth to every piece, drawing on a strong academic foundation that includes a degree in Economics, an MBA in International Trade, and a minor in Petroleum Economics from Lagos State University, Ojo. His reporting blends rigorous research with a keen eye for hidden truths, delivering stories that illuminate power, policy, and the forces shaping everyday lives.

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