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, Stella Obasanjo, 20 years after her death.
The service took place at the Chapel of Christ the King of Glory, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Mrs Obasanjo died on October 23, 2005, in Spain following complications from an elective liposuction treatment and tummy tuck.
She was aged 59.
Speaking briefly after the service, Mr Obasanjo said, “We are here to celebrate a life of service.”
In his testimony, Mrs Obasanjo’s younger brother, John Abebe, said she would be remembered for her smile and warmth.
“Sister Stella was somebody you just couldn’t get angry with because she would always smile through everything, every difficulty,” he said.
Her son, Muyiwa, described her as caring and protective but also firm.
“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,” he said.
The event was attended by former Ogun State governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, members of the Obasanjo and Abebe families and other dignitaries.
Mr Daniel, in his remarks, said Mrs Obasanjo’s legacy continues to be felt.
“During my time as governor of the state, we named a motherless home after her,” he said.
Mr Amosun described Mrs Obasanjo as someone who served the country with commitment.
“She loved Nigeria. When she was First Lady, everybody could attest to the fact that she carried herself well and did well in that office. She promoted and elevated that office,” he said.
Stella Obasanjo was Nigeria’s First Lady from 1999 until her death in 2005.
