Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, his family, aides and associates on Saturday held a memorial service in honour of his late wife and former First Lady, Mrs Stella Obasanjo, twenty years after her demise.
Mrs Obasanjo died at age 59 on October 23, 2005, following a botched tummy tuck – elective liposuction – procedure in Spain.
The surgery was scheduled towards the commemoration of her 60th birthday.
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The surgeon, identified only as “AM” in court, was sentenced to one year of imprisonment in September 2009.
In his autobiography, My Watch, Obasanjo had disclosed that he had no knowledge of Stella’s plan to undergo the cosmetic procedure that led to her death.
“After the internment, I decided to look into the circumstances of her death,” Obasanjo wrote on page 240 of Volume two of the book.
“I found that part of her 60th birthday anniversary, which was unknown to me, was her operation for her tummy and her shape.”
Obasanjo also addressed the insinuations that his wife’s death may have been a “sacrifice” he carried out for success in his job.
“Before the verdict in Spain, I was unaware of what I came to hear later that I might have caused the death of my wife to sacrifice her for success in my job,” he wrote.
“That is how wicked and satanic some Nigerians can be in their rumours and mischief.”
Remembrance, 20 Years After
A memorial service was held in her honour on Saturday at the Chapel of Christ King of Glory, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
The solemn service attracted Obasanjo, Stella’s son, Muyiwa, former Ogun State Governors, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, among other prominent personalities.
Obasanjo, in a short response during an interview after the service, said “We are here to celebrate a life of service.”
In his testimony during the church service, John Abebe, younger brother to Stella, said the former first lady would be remembered for her infectious smile which he said always melted peoples’ hearts.
He said “Sister Stella was somebody you just couldn’t get angry with because she will always smile through everything, every difficulty.
“I remember when my oldest brother passed on as soon as my sister came from Abeokuta to see my parents or to stay with my parents, everything changed in the house.
“With her smile and huge encouragement to my parents, the grief was reduced.
“So , when I saw this announcement a few days ago, that was what occupied my heart throughout, and I knew that whatever I was going to say today was going to be based on her smile.
Muyiwa, her only child, said, “She was caring and protective as an only child, most people understand that, but also strict and would not tolerate any deviation from you. So, I have kept that in mind, and I have continued to try to live my life that way.”
Speaking with newsmen, Daniel and Amosun praised Stella’s candour, saying she lived an exemplary life .
“We thank God for her life, 20 years down line, the legacy she left behind , the son and grandchildren , we will continue to miss her motherly support.”
“In particular during my time as governor of the state. That was why we named a motherless home after her,” Daniel said.
On his part, Amosun said “She loved Nigeria. And while she was with us, when she was first, everybody could attest to the fact that she carried herself well, and she did well in that office. She promoted that office and elevated that office.
“I will continue to pray that good Lord will grant her eternal rest.”
