Former President Olusegun Obasanjo shared a personal anecdote about his leadership style during a meeting with Dayo Israel, the newly appointed board chairman of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The former president recounted a moment when he had to make a tough decision by dismissing his daughter from his farm due to her tardiness, an incident he said served as a powerful lesson to his employees.
Obasanjo explained that after he left office as Head of State, his daughter joined his farm to gain practical experience. However, on her first day, she arrived at 7:15 a.m., fifteen minutes later than the established 7:00 a.m. start time. Obasanjo warned her about the importance of punctuality and setting a good example for other workers. To his surprise, she arrived late again the following day. This time, Obasanjo did not hesitate. He sent her back home right from the farm gate.
The decision, though difficult, had a profound effect on the rest of the staff. Obasanjo recalled the reaction of his employees, who were taken aback by his action. “If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?” they remarked, emphasizing the impact of his firm leadership on the team’s understanding of discipline and accountability.
During his conversation with Israel, Obasanjo stressed the importance of making tough decisions as a leader, even if it means stepping on toes. He underscored that no effective leader can achieve success without being willing to make hard choices, which sometimes involve difficult actions to ensure the success of the organization.
He also advised Israel to be prepared for challenges and to maintain a balance between fairness, justice, and humanity in decision-making, particularly when faced with adversity. Obasanjo’s words of wisdom reflected his belief in the necessity of strong leadership principles, especially in positions of authority.
In response, Israel expressed deep admiration for Obasanjo, acknowledging his status as a global figure with profound wisdom and insight. “Meeting Baba Obasanjo is always enjoyable,” Israel remarked. “His wisdom and experience are invaluable as we embark on this journey of transformation at FMC Abeokuta.”
Obasanjo’s lesson of leadership, discipline, and making difficult decisions resonates far beyond the confines of his farm, reflecting his enduring influence as a statesman and mentor to those in leadership roles.
