Olusegun Obasanjo Biography and Networth in dollars
When you hear the name Olusegun Obasanjo, one thing comes to mind—leadership. As a former military head of state, two-time civilian president, author, farmer, and global statesman, Obasanjo has played a huge role in shaping Nigeria’s history. But beyond his contributions to politics and diplomacy, there is another question that has sparked interest among Nigerians and the international community: What is Obasanjo’s net worth?
Over the years, many have speculated about how wealthy Obasanjo really is. Some see him as one of the richest former presidents in Africa, while others believe his wealth is tied more to influence than cash. In this article, we take a closer look at Obasanjo’s net worth in 2025, his sources of income, businesses, lifestyle, and the controversies surrounding his wealth.
Who is Olusegun Obasanjo?
Before exploring Obasanjo’s net worth, it is important to understand the man himself. Born on March 5, 1937, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo grew up in modest conditions. Despite his humble beginnings, he went on to become one of Nigeria’s most iconic leaders.
Obasanjo joined the Nigerian Army in 1958 and rose through the ranks. His major breakthrough came in 1976 when, after the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, Obasanjo assumed the role of Head of State. He ruled Nigeria until 1979, when he became the first military leader in Nigerian history to voluntarily hand over power to a civilian government.
Two decades later, in 1999, following Nigeria’s return to democracy, Obasanjo was elected president under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He served two terms until 2007, overseeing key reforms in the economy, telecommunications, and foreign relations.
Today, Obasanjo is regarded not only as a Nigerian statesman but also as a global figure who has mediated conflicts, written extensively, and contributed to agricultural development.
Obasanjo Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Obasanjo’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion. This makes him one of the wealthiest former presidents in Africa. His wealth is not only a product of his political career but also a result of decades of investments, businesses, and international engagements.
Unlike some politicians who rely solely on public office for wealth, Obasanjo has multiple sources of income, ranging from agriculture to book sales and international consultancy.
Sources of Obasanjo’s Wealth
To understand Obasanjo’s net worth, we need to examine where his money comes from.
1. Agriculture and Farming
Obasanjo has often described himself first as a farmer and second as a politician. His farm, known as Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, is one of the largest privately owned agricultural businesses in the country.
The farm specializes in poultry, fishery, livestock, and crop production, providing employment for thousands of Nigerians. Over the years, Obasanjo Farms has expanded beyond Ogun State to other parts of Nigeria, making agriculture one of the biggest contributors to his wealth.
2. Political Career
As both a military leader and later a civilian president, Obasanjo earned salaries, allowances, and pensions. While these alone do not fully explain his wealth, the political influence he gained allowed him access to opportunities that increased his financial standing.
Serving as president also gave him international visibility, which he later leveraged for consultancy and diplomatic roles.
3. International Consultancy and Speaking Engagements
After leaving office in 2007, Obasanjo became a highly sought-after speaker and consultant. He has been invited by international organizations such as the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS to mediate conflicts and advise on governance.
These roles often come with substantial financial compensation. Obasanjo’s global recognition as an elder statesman significantly boosts his net worth.
4. Book Publishing and Authorship
Obasanjo is also a prolific writer. He has published several books, including memoirs, autobiographies, and works on African leadership. His books are widely read in Nigeria and beyond, generating income through sales, conferences, and intellectual property rights.
5. Real Estate
Like many wealthy Nigerians, Obasanjo has invested in real estate. He owns properties in Nigeria, particularly in Ogun and Lagos, as well as houses abroad. Real estate continues to be a stable source of wealth that supports his net worth.
6. Inheritance and Family Wealth
Although Obasanjo came from a humble background, his years in politics and business allowed him to build wealth that benefits his family. Unlike some Nigerian leaders who were born into wealth, Obasanjo largely created his fortune from scratch.
Obasanjo’s Lifestyle
With a net worth of about $1.5 billion, Obasanjo lives a comfortable lifestyle.
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Residences: He resides in a luxurious estate in Abeokuta, Ogun State, which serves as his base of operations.
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Travel: As a global statesman, he travels extensively, attending conferences, peace missions, and lectures.
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Cars: Although not flashy compared to some politicians, Obasanjo owns a collection of vehicles suited for both official and personal use.
Interestingly, Obasanjo is known for his simple and modest public appearance. Unlike other wealthy politicians, he often presents himself as down-to-earth, especially when engaging with ordinary Nigerians.
Controversies Around Obasanjo’s Wealth
No discussion of Obasanjo’s net worth would be complete without mentioning controversies.
During and after his presidency, critics accused him of amassing wealth through questionable means. Some argue that contracts and privatization deals during his tenure benefited his associates and businesses.
The most talked-about controversy was his alleged attempt to amend the constitution in 2006 to secure a third term, which critics claimed was motivated by a desire to maintain political and financial influence.
Despite these criticisms, Obasanjo has consistently defended himself, maintaining that his wealth comes mainly from farming, writing, and international engagements.
Obasanjo’s Influence Beyond Wealth
While Obasanjo’s net worth is impressive, his influence goes far beyond money.
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Global Peace Mediation: He has played a crucial role in mediating conflicts in countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan.
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Education and Youth Empowerment: Through his foundations and initiatives, Obasanjo has supported education and youth development projects.
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Thought Leadership: His books and public speeches continue to inspire conversations about democracy, governance, and development in Africa.
This combination of financial strength and intellectual influence makes him a respected figure worldwide.
Comparison with Other African Leaders
When compared to other African leaders, Obasanjo’s net worth is substantial. For instance:
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Nelson Mandela, though iconic, never accumulated massive wealth.
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Jacob Zuma of South Africa had wealth but was mired in corruption scandals.
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In Nigeria, Obasanjo’s wealth places him among the richest former leaders, though politicians like Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar are often considered wealthier.
This shows that Obasanjo is not only influential but also financially strong.
Future Outlook for Obasanjo’s Net Worth
At 88 years old in 2025, Obasanjo remains active. His wealth is likely to remain stable due to his diversified investments. Obasanjo Farms continues to grow, his books still sell, and his global consultancy roles keep him relevant.
Even after his lifetime, his businesses and legacy projects are expected to sustain his family’s financial strength for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Obasanjo’s net worth in 2025?
Obasanjo’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $1.5 billion, making him one of the wealthiest former presidents in Africa.
2. What is the main source of Obasanjo’s wealth?
His wealth primarily comes from agriculture through Obasanjo Farms, as well as international consultancy, book publishing, real estate, and pensions.
3. Did Obasanjo make his wealth through politics?
While his political career gave him influence, Obasanjo insists that much of his wealth comes from farming and international engagements.
4. What businesses does Obasanjo own?
He owns Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, real estate properties, and earns royalties from books and intellectual work.
5. Has Obasanjo faced corruption allegations?
Yes, Obasanjo has faced criticisms and allegations of corruption during his presidency, though he has denied wrongdoing and attributed his wealth to legitimate sources.
6. Does Obasanjo still play a role in Nigerian politics?
Yes, Obasanjo remains a vocal political figure, often commenting on governance and democracy in Nigeria and Africa.
7. How does Obasanjo’s wealth compare to other Nigerian politicians?
While Obasanjo is very wealthy, politicians like Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar are often considered richer.
8. Does Obasanjo still run his farm personally?
Though he is advanced in age, Obasanjo remains actively involved in promoting and overseeing his agricultural business.
9. What makes Obasanjo different from other African leaders?
Obasanjo is one of the few African leaders who transitioned from military rule to civilian leadership and later became a respected global statesman.
10. Will Obasanjo’s wealth continue to grow?
Yes, with diversified investments in agriculture, real estate, and international consultancy, his net worth is expected to remain stable or grow.
Final Thoughts
Obasanjo’s net worth reflects a lifetime of leadership, influence, and strategic investment. From his humble beginnings in Abeokuta to becoming a global statesman with an estimated fortune of $1.5 billion, his story is one of resilience and transformation.
While controversies remain about the exact source of his wealth, there is no doubt that Obasanjo has built an empire that goes beyond money. His contributions to Nigeria, Africa, and the global community ensure that his legacy will live on, both in wealth and in history.