IGP Disu and Baba Obasanjo’s Moment of Gratitude

At the book launch of former Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Ehindero, former President Olusegun Obasanjo paused to specially appreciate IGP Olatunji Disu for the role he played when Obasanjo was under house arrest in 1995. “IGP, I have to specially thank you because maybe the reason I am alive today is because you are one […]

At the book launch of former Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Ehindero, former President Olusegun Obasanjo paused to specially appreciate IGP Olatunji Disu for the role he played when Obasanjo was under house arrest in 1995.

“IGP, I have to specially thank you because maybe the reason I am alive today is because you are one of those who kept me alive when I was under house arrest,” Baba said, his voice full of emotion and gratitude.

For those who may not be aware, Obasanjo was arrested, tried and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the Abacha-led administration, accused of involvement in a coup plot against the military government. This sentence was later reduced to 15 years but in the end, Obasanjo only spent 3 years, three months and three days.

It is pertinent to note that throughout his three-year detention under detrimental conditions, there had been serious worries about Obasanjo’s health. As such, after the house arrest under which Obasanjo remand was lifted, he was able to resume both his private and public life in all freedom. In a remarkable twist for the history books, Obasanjo’s eventual release paved the way for his return to politics. In 1999, he was elected Nigeria’s president under the Fourth Republic, marking the end of decades of military rule.

The Yoruba have a saying: “Eni tí a ṣe l’óore tí kò dúpẹ́, ó dàbí olè tí jí l’órí.” It basically means: anyone who is shown kindness and does not say thank you is like a thief. In that moment, when he remembered the goodness of the current IGP, Olatunji Disu, Baba Obasanjo did more than say thank you, he showed what that proverb really means. His words were not just personal; they carried a strong message. In a society where people easily forget good deeds, his act of remembrance stood out. That this kindness happened over twenty years ago, between a young officer who would later become Inspector-General of Police and a man who would later become a democratically elected President, reminds us of a simple truth: no one knows what tomorrow will bring.

What stands out even more is Baba Obasanjo’s humility. For a man who has held so much power to openly appreciate someone who helped him in his lowest moment says a lot about his character. The IGP likely did not expect such public recognition. Power can make people forget, but Baba chose to remember. He chose to be grateful. In doing so, he showed that true greatness is not about position, but about remembering those who stood by you when things were hard.

There are important lessons here, especially for young officers. Among my people, there is a saying: when the king sends you on an errand, go with caution. IGP Olatunji Disu, even while carrying out orders at the time, showed restraint and humanity. That quiet decision reflects true professionalism. It reminds us that doing your duty is not just about following orders, but also about using good judgment and treating people with humanity, even in difficult situations.

Beyond this deeply personal moment, Baba Obasanjo used the occasion to reflect on what he described as the enduring values of good old-fashioned policing, values he believes have been steadily eroded over time. In the course of his speech, he recounted two past encounters with police officers that, in his view, exemplified discipline, duty, and professionalism. These recollections were not mere nostalgia; they served as a subtle but firm reminder of what policing in Nigeria once stood for, and what it must strive to become again.

It is no coincidence that Baba Olusegun Obasanjo has consistently shown a preference for effective, principled policing. This was evident in his decision to appoint Sunday Ehindero as Inspector-General of Police in 2005, a choice he said was informed by his confidence in Ehindero’s legal acumen and strategic mindset. That confidence proved well placed. Ehindero’s tenure left an indelible mark, defined by a commitment to discipline and reform. Notably, in April 2004, as Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Administration), he played a key role in the investigation of the Okija Shrine case in Anambra State, where human remains were discovered. This was an incident that shocked the nation and demanded a firm institutional response. Later, in 2007, as IGP, Ehindero announced the dismissal of over 10,000 officers in a bold effort to cleanse the force of corruption and misconduct.

Baba Obasanjo also praised Ehindero’s remarkable discipline and doggedness, traits that continue to define his post-retirement years. His intellectual contributions, including authoring books and engaging in national discourse, reflect a lifelong commitment to service and progress. Yet, beyond commendation, Baba Obasanjo’s remarks carried a forward-looking message. He emphasized the urgent need to revitalize policing in Nigeria, particularly through the adoption of state policing, a model he believes would enhance responsiveness and local accountability.

Interestingly, this position aligns with the growing advocacy of IGP Olatunji Disu, who has in recent times underscored the importance of decentralizing policing structures to better address Nigeria’s complex security realities. That both men, separated by time but united by experience, converge on this idea speaks to its relevance. As Baba Obasanjo noted, Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture in its security history. The implication is clear: Nigeria cannot afford to rely solely on outdated frameworks in the face of evolving threats.

Those threats are neither abstract nor distant. From kidnappings and banditry to terrorism and armed robbery, Nigeria’s security challenges are multifaceted and deeply entrenched. Addressing them requires more than force; it demands strategy, innovation, and above all, leadership rooted in both discipline and adaptability. It calls for a return to the ethos of duty that defined earlier generations of officers, combined with a willingness to embrace modern, community-driven approaches to policing.

In this regard, IGP Olatunji Disu appears to embody a compelling blend of old and new. His openness to dialogue, emphasis on reform, and recognition of the importance of community policing signal a readiness to move beyond conventional methods. Globally, it has been demonstrated that community policing, anchored in collaboration between law enforcement and citizens, works to strengthen communities, improves intelligence gathering, and enhances overall effectiveness in crime prevention. It is a model that not only safeguards lives and property but also rebuilds public trust, a critical ingredient in any functional security architecture.

Ultimately, the significance of Obasanjo’s public appreciation extends beyond sentiment. It offers a lens through which to view the possibilities of leadership in law enforcement, leadership that is humane, reflective, and forward-thinking. It also challenges current and future officers to recognize that even within rigid systems, individual choices matter.

As Baba Obasanjo praised IGP Olatunji Disu, one is left with a sense of cautious optimism. The hope is that, in the not-too-distant future, Nigerians themselves will echo similar sentiments, not merely in recognition of past deeds, but in response to tangible improvements in safety, accountability, and trust. If that happens, it will mark not just a personal commendation, but the beginning of a broader restoration of faith in the Nigerian Police Force and its capacity to secure the nation.

Zayd Ibn Isah