Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who twice ruled Nigeria, once in the 1970s and then for eight years starting in 1999, collapsed today at the St. Stephens Anglican Church in Igbotako, Ondo State.

The fainting incident took place at about 12 noon, Nigerian time, at a thanksgiving service in honour of Major General Olu Bajowa (Rtd), an Obasanjo protégé who is celebrating his 70th birthday. Major General Olu Bajowa was once indicted for mismanaging the Nigerian airways.

Obasanjo was rushed to a sickbay at the home of the celebrant. When he re-appeared, he appeared woozy, but managed to complete the event before returning home to Abeokuta, Ogun State, later in the day. The former president has faced a multitude of personal misfortunes in recent times. On one occasion, he was attacked and ridiculed in broad daylight at the Lagos Airport by an irate Nigerian who blamed him for the political and economic crisis bedeviling the country. In another public event, the former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, insulted him in public, calling him "father of bastards."

Although Obasanjo's real age is unknown, the former head of state is said to suffer from diabetes. Like most former leaders, he obtains his medical care in foreign hospitals.