Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and members of his family held a memorial service in Abeokuta on Saturday to mark two decades since the death of his late wife, Mrs Stella Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s First Lady.
The memorial took place at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Former governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun were among dignitaries who attended the solemn occasion.
Speaking briefly with journalists after the service, Obasanjo said, “We are celebrating a life of service.”
During the church service, John Abebe, younger brother to the late former First Lady, paid tribute to his sister, describing her as someone who maintained a cheerful disposition even in difficult times.
“Sister Stella was somebody you just couldn’t get angry with because she would always smile through everything, every difficulty,” he said.
Abebe recalled how his sister provided emotional support to their parents following the death of their eldest brother.
“I remember when my oldest brother passed on; as soon as my sister came from Abeokuta to stay with my parents, everything changed in the house.
“With her smile and the huge encouragement she gave 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 would be based on her smile,” he explained.
He also gave an update on the late First Lady’s family, saying, “Olumuyiwa, her son, now in his late 40s, has a 17-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son, and they are doing very well.
“We miss Stella a lot, because if she had been around, she would have been the mother who would have taken over from my parents.”
Olumuyiwa Obasanjo, the only child of the late First Lady, shared his memories, emphasising the lasting impact of his mother’s character.
“She was caring and protective—as an only child, most people understand that—but she was 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,” he said.
He added that his mother would be remembered for “her infectious laughter, kindness, and the advice and life lessons she shared.”
Former Governor Daniel, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to God for the life of the late former First Lady.
Mrs Stella Obasanjo died in October 2005 whilst her husband was serving as Nigeria’s president.
