Twenty years after her death, a memorial ceremony at the Church of Christ the Glorious King in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, brought back memories of the life and times of Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, the late first lady of Nigeria.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the son of the late wife, members of the Obasanjo and Abebe families, friends, and other important people were all there for the ceremony.
Channels TV says that Mrs. Obasanjo died on October 23, 2005, at the age of 59 after having surgery in Spain.
Dignitaries recalled the former first lady’s life of service and impact on her country, her family, and humanity.
People at the ceremony remembered how she had made a difference in her nation and the world.
• The late Stella Obasanjo, former First Lady
“Infectious Smile”
The former president remarked in a brief interview following the funeral, “We are here to celebrate a life of service.”
During the church service, John Abebe, the younger brother of the late first lady, said that her smile would always melt people’s hearts.
He remarked, “Sister Stella was someone you just couldn’t get mad at because she would always smile through everything, no matter how hard it was.”
When my oldest brother died, everything in the house changed as soon as my sister came from Abeokuta to meet or stay with my parents.
“Her brightness and big support for my parents made the sadness go away.
“So, when I saw this announcement a few days ago, it stayed on my mind. I knew that everything I said today would be based on her smile,” he said.
Her son, Muyiwa, said that she was a kind mother.
People know that she was compassionate and protective as an only kid, but she was also severe and wouldn’t let you get away with anything.
“So, I have kept that in mind and have kept trying to live my life that way,” he stated.
previous governors of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, as well as Ameh Obaje, the previous chaplain of the Aso Rock Church, were also at the solemn event.
Daniel and Amosun told reporters that Stella was honest and had a good life.
“We praise God for her life and the legacy she left behind, which includes her son and grandkids. We shall always miss how she was there for us as a mother.
Daniel added, “While I was governor of the state, we named a home for mothers after her.”
Amosun remarked, “She loved Nigeria.” And while she was with us as first lady, everyone could see that she did a good job and was a kind person.
“She pushed for that office and made it better.” I will keep praying that the good Lord would give her eternal rest.
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