His surprise appearance on Isbae U’s popular Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast has got everyone talking on the Internet, and for good reason. It takes an elderly statesman with a remarkable sense of humour, confidence and willingness to connect with a younger generation to walk into a space like that and simply have fun.
I laughed my heart out watching Obasanjo banter on the show. Here was a former military Head of State, former President and one of Nigeria’s most recognisable elder statesmen sitting comfortably in a setting largely associated with a younger, digital generation.
He didn’t appear stiff, distant or overly conscious of his status. He played along, took the jokes and gave as good as he got.
And that, for me, was perhaps the most interesting part of the encounter.
Without question, the interview was a bridge between the old and new generations. It showed that age and experience do not necessarily have to create a wall between generations. Sometimes, all it takes is a little humour, openness and willingness to enter each other’s world.
Obasanjo, in his own way, reminded us that being an elder does not mean losing touch with the times. The younger generation may have its podcasts, slang, memes and social media culture, but there is still room for wisdom from those who came before them.
Perhaps this is what generational conversation should look like: the old listening to the young, the young engaging the old, and both sides finding common ground without taking themselves too seriously.
For a moment, politics, age and titles took a back seat. It was simply OBJ having a laugh with the new generation.
I also love the happy ending when Bae U prostrated before the retired General, where they both hugged and Bae U profusely thanked him for gracing the show.
My only advice to Isbae U is to maintain political neutrality. Given the influence of young Nigerians in shaping electoral outcomes, politicians may increasingly see his platform as an avenue to connect with, influence or court the youth vote. He should avoid the temptation of endorsing any political candidate.