Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has shared the significant role his late wife, Stella Obasanjo, played in securing his release from prison.
In 1995, Obasanjo was arrested and convicted by the military regime of the late Sani Abacha for his alleged involvement in a planned coup.
After four years of detention, Obasanjo was released in 1998 by Abdulsalami Abubakar, following Abacha’s death.
During his imprisonment, Stella was a strong advocate, relentlessly demanding her husband’s release.
She tragically passed away on October 23, 2005, during a liposuction surgery.
Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of the 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin, the Edo state capital, the former president recounted how his late wife traveled to the Vatican City and other parts of the world to secure his freedom.
“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,” Obasanjo said.
“We were planning for her 68th birthday anniversary but never had it before she died. It was very painful for me in particular and for all of us in my family.
“So you can appreciate how thankful I am to you for doing this in her honour.”
He expressed gratitude to the Edo state government for recognizing his late wife, “who made tremendous contributions to my achievements in public life.”
Obasanjo also praised Governor Godwin Obaseki for “starting and finishing well.”
“I have worked in the past with the likes of John Oyegun; he was a fantastic permanent secretary. I reminded him recently of some of the things that he practised on me and the ones I practised on him,” Obasanjo added.
“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 edifice, I can say that the governor started well and is finishing well.”
