Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that he once dismissed his own daughter from working on his farm due to persistent lateness, emphasizing the need for discipline and accountability in leadership.
Obasanjo made the revelation while hosting Dr. Dayo Israel, the Chairman of the Board of Management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, at his residence in Ogun State.
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The former leader explained that the incident occurred shortly after his tenure as Head of State when his daughter, a Veterinary Medicine student at the University of Ibadan, joined his farm for practical experience. On her first day, she arrived at 7:15 a.m., missing the set reporting time of 7:00 a.m.
Despite repeated warnings, she continued arriving late, which prompted him to dismiss her. The decision, he said, reinforced a culture of discipline among his employees, as they realized that if he could take such action against his own daughter, no one was exempt from accountability.
Speaking on leadership, Obasanjo advised Dr. Israel to be firm and ready to make tough decisions, even if it means “stepping on toes.” He urged him to lead with fairness, justice, and humanity while ensuring accountability.
The former president also commended the Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, for his achievements over the past seven and a half years, acknowledging his contributions to the hospital’s growth.
In response, Dr. Israel described Obasanjo as an inspiring leader and an international figure whose wisdom is invaluable. He pledged to support the hospital’s management in transforming FMC Abeokuta into a world-class medical facility, with a focus on renewable energy and strategic partnerships.
