Twenty years after her passing, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, his family, aides, and friends gathered to honour his late wife and former First Lady, Mrs Stella Obasanjo, at a memorial service in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The memorial service took place on Saturday at the Chapel of Christ King of Glory, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).
Mrs Stella Obasanjo died on October 23, 2005, at the age of 59, following an unsuccessful elective liposuction and stomach tuck surgery in Spain. The procedure was scheduled to take place ahead of her 60th birthday celebration.
Speaking briefly after the service, Obasanjo said, “We are here to celebrate a life of service.”
The event was attended by Stella’s son, Muyiwa Obasanjo; former Ogun State Governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun; as well as other dignitaries and close associates.
During the service, Stella’s younger brother, John Abebe, paid tribute to her, describing her as a woman whose contagious smile always warmed people’s hearts.
“Sister Stella was someone you just couldn’t get angry with because she would always smile through every difficulty,” he said.
Her only child, Muyiwa, also described his late mother as caring and protective but very strict.
She was caring and protective—as an only child, most people understand that—but also strict and would not tolerate any deviation from you. I’ve kept that in mind and have continued to live my life that way,” he said.
Speaking with journalists, Daniel and Amosun commended Stella’s integrity and dedication, noting that she lived an exemplary life devoted to others.
