Laolu Akande, a former spokesperson for ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo, advising him to stop ridiculing other leaders.

Akande’s comments were prompted by Obasanjo’s recent statements at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, where the ex-president labeled Nigeria’s condition as “bad” and pointed out the nation’s status as a failing state.

Obasanjo remarked, “Nigeria’s situation is dire. The more a nation is plagued by immorality and corruption, the deeper it descends into chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment.”

He further attributed Nigeria’s failing state status to widespread corruption, mediocrity, and other moral failings.

In response, Akande shared his thoughts on X, arguing that the issues facing Nigeria are fundamentally rooted in political leadership, which reflects a larger crisis in leadership itself.

He stressed that former leaders like Obasanjo should rise above simply mocking their successors. “During yesterday’s #InsideSources segment, we concluded that figures like General Obasanjo should focus on more constructive critiques rather than jesting at other presidents,” he stated.

“The challenges Nigeria faces are deeply connected to issues of political leadership, but there is an even more profound problem that gives rise to these leadership challenges.”