- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo credited his late wife, Stella, for her unwavering efforts in securing his release from prison during his ordeal
- Speaking at the inauguration of a hospital in her name, Obasanjo expressed gratitude for her significant contributions to his public life
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo reflected on his imprisonment and the pivotal role his late wife, Stella Obasanjo, played in securing his release.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly renovated 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin, Edo State, Obasanjo shared heartfelt memories of Stella’s efforts during his prison ordeal.
Obasanjo was jailed during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha over allegations of plotting a coup, despite maintaining his innocence.
Following Abacha’s death, Obasanjo was released by the succeeding administration under General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and he later ascended to the presidency.
Throughout his incarceration, Stella campaigned tirelessly for his freedom, travelling to cities across the world, including Vatican City and France.
Obasanjo, now 87, praised his late wife, noting, “She left no stone unturned to ensure my release. No amount of honour would be too much for her role.”
He added that she travelled far and extensively over the issue, and “no amount of honour would be too much for the role she played”.
“My late wife went everywhere to ensure that I came out of prison alive. She was in Vatican City, France and other parts of the world. I had it all coming out of prison.
“We were planning for her 68th birthday anniversary but never had it before she died. It was very painful for me and all of us in my family.
“So you can appreciate how thankful I am to you for doing this in her honour”, he noted.
He thanked the government and people of Edo State for the honour, adding that “I had a woman who made tremendous contributions to my achievements in public life”.
The former president, who said he had a good working relationship with former governor Odigie Oyegun, further praised Governor Godwin Obaseki for “starting and finishing well.”
I have worked with John Oyegun in the past. He was a fantastic permanent secretary. I recently reminded him of some of the things that he practised on me and the ones I practised on him.
Speaking further, Obasanjo praised Obaseki, saying he started and is finishing well.
“With this hospital, you’re assured of first-class treatment for any ailment. More grace to the elbows of the governor. With this kind of tower, I can say that the governor started well and is finishing well”, he submitted.
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