Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday, led family members and dignitaries to celebrate the life and legacy of his late wife and former First Lady, Stella Obasanjo, at her 20th memorial service in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event, held at the Chapel of Christ the King of Glory within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, was attended by 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 service to others.
“We came to celebrate a life of service,” the former president said briefly.
In his tribute, Olumuyiwa remembered his late mother as a loving and disciplined woman whose teachings had remained a guiding light over the years.
“I have no doubt missed my late mother. I have missed her laughter, kindness, and all the advice and life lessons she shared. Her legacy will live on. She was caring and protective as an only child, but she was also strict and would not tolerate any deviation. The knowledge she imparted to me is still there, and it has proved quite useful,” he said.
Abebe described his sister as someone who radiated joy and could lift the mood of everyone around her, even in difficult times.
“Sister Stella had a unique way of doing things. I remember when our eldest brother passed on; as soon as she came from Abeokuta to stay with our parents, everything changed. With her smile and encouragement, their grief was reduced. We really miss her and pray that she continues to rest in peace,” he said.
In his address, Amosun described the late first lady as a graceful and compassionate woman who used her office to uplift the less privileged.
He said, “While she was with us as First Lady, everybody could attest to the fact that she carried herself well and did well in her office. She supported the people and did much for the less privileged. Our prayers are that the Almighty God will continue to grant her eternal rest.”
Also speaking, Daniel noted that Stella Obasanjo’s contributions to humanity and her support for Ogun State remained unforgettable.
The former governor said, “We thank God that the legacy she left behind — the son and the grandchildren — has continued to grow. During my administration as governor, she was there for us and the people. That was why we named the motherless home after her. We thank God for her life and for the life of the former president, who has held on despite all,” he said.
Delivering the sermon titled “On Duty for God and Nigeria’s Greatness,” former Aso Villa Chaplain, Prof Yusuf Obaje, described the late first lady as one of those whose names had been immortalised for their remarkable service to humanity.
“The late Chief Mrs Stella Obasanjo, the former First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was in the class of those we identify as people with immortalised names in the land of the living,” Obaje said.
He urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and committed to the greatness of the country.
The late First Lady died on October 23, 2005, at the age of 59, following complications after a surgical procedure in Spain.
