How I Sacked My Daughter for Lateness to Work – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how he dismissed his daughter from his farm for arriving late to work, emphasizing the importance of discipline and accountability.

Obasanjo shared this experience while receiving Dr. Dayo Israel, the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Idi-Aba, Abeokuta. The meeting took place at Obasanjo’s Penthouse residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He advised Dr. Israel to be prepared for challenges and to make tough decisions when necessary for effective leadership.

The former president recounted that after leaving office as Head of State, his daughter, a University of Ibadan veterinary medicine student, joined his farm for practical experience during a school break. However, she arrived at 7:15 a.m. on her first day instead of the stipulated 7:00 a.m. Obasanjo warned her about punctuality and the need to set an example for other workers.

Despite the warning, she was late again the next day, leading him to send her home immediately. He noted that this action had a lasting impact on his employees, as they realized that if he could discipline his own daughter, no one was exempt from accountability.

Obasanjo emphasized that effective leadership often requires making difficult decisions and stepping on toes. He told Dr. Israel that no successful leader avoids conflicts entirely.

Dr. Israel, accompanied by FMC Abeokuta Medical Director Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu and other management team members, described Obasanjo as a global figure whose wisdom and experience remain invaluable. He expressed appreciation for the former president’s insights as he embarked on a new phase of leadership at FMC Abeokuta.