I Sacked My Daughter for Coming Late” — Obasanjo Speaks on Discipline and Leadership

I Sacked My Daughter for Coming Late” — Obasanjo Speaks on Discipline and Leadership

“I once sacked my daughter for coming late to work. Shortly after I left office as Head of State, my first daughter, who was then studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan, was engaged on my farm to gain some practical experience during a long vacation.

“One day, she resumed work at quarter past 7, as opposed to the 7 a.m. she was supposed to start. I warned her, reminding her that she had an obligation to set a good example for other workers. I told her I wouldn’t hesitate to wield the big stick if the same behavior was repeated.

“To my amazement, she was late again the following day. I didn’t hesitate to send her back from the gate. Not surprisingly, this had an indescribable effect on all my employees, with them saying, ‘If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?'”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo shared this story to emphasize the importance of discipline and accountability in leadership.