NIGERIA: Obasanjo, Family Honour Late Stella At 20th Memorial In Abeokuta

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday led family members, friends, and dignitaries to celebrate the life and legacy of his late wife, former First Lady, Stella Obasanjo, at a memorial service marking 20 years since her passing.

The event, held at the Chapel of Christ the King of Glory within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, drew notable personalities, including the couple’s only son, Olumuyiwa Obasanjo; Stella’s younger brother, John Abebe; and former Ogun State governors, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun.

Speaking with journalists after the service, Obasanjo described his late wife as a woman who lived a life of selfless service. “We came to celebrate a life of service,” he said.

Olumuyiwa, in an emotional tribute, recalled his mother’s love, discipline, and guidance, saying her teachings had remained a light in his life. “I miss her laughter, kindness, and the lessons she taught me. Her legacy will live on,” he said.

Abebe, the late First Lady’s brother, described her as someone who radiated joy and uplifted others even in difficult moments. “Sister Stella had a way of brightening every room she entered. Her smile and encouragement could ease any sorrow,” he added.

Former governors Amosun and Daniel also paid glowing tributes, describing Stella Obasanjo as a compassionate leader whose humanitarian legacy in Ogun State and across Nigeria endures.

Delivering a sermon titled “On Duty for God and Nigeria’s Greatness,” former Aso Villa Chaplain, Prof. Yusuf Obaje, praised the late First Lady for her remarkable service to humanity, saying her name had been “immortalised in the land of the living.”

Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also paid tribute to the late First Lady, describing her as “a woman of uncommon grace, intellect, and compassion.”

In a post on his official X handle, Atiku expressed solidarity with Obasanjo and the family, noting that Stella’s dedication to women, children, and vulnerable Nigerians during her time as First Lady “continues to inspire service and humanity.”

Chief (Mrs) Stella Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s First Lady from 1999 until her death on October 23, 2005, at the age of 59, following complications from a surgical procedure in Spain.