Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, alongside family members and friends, gathered in Abeokuta to commemorate the 20th memorial service of the late former First Lady, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo.
His former Vice President Atiku Abubakar wrote a eulogy to mark the occasion.
Stella Obasanjo (née Abebe; 14 November 1945 – 23 October 2005) was the First Lady of Nigeria from 1999 until her death.
She was the wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and died while undergoing elective liposuction abroad.
The memorial service, held on Saturday at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, was attended by dignitaries including former Governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun.
Obasanjo, speaking briefly with journalists after the service, said, “We are celebrating a life of service.”
In his tribute during the church service, John Abebe, younger brother to the late former First Lady, described her as someone who hardly got angry and always wore a smile.
“Sister Stella was somebody you just couldn’t get angry with because she would always smile through everything, every difficulty.
“I remember when my oldest brother passed on; as soon as my sister came from Abeokuta to stay with my parents, everything changed in the house.
“With her smile and the huge encouragement she gave my parents, the grief was reduced.
“So, when I saw this announcement a few days ago, that was what occupied my heart throughout, and I knew that whatever I was going to say today would be based on her smile.
“Olumuyiwa, her son, now in his late 40s, has a 17-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son, and they are doing very well.
“We miss Stella a lot, because if she had been around, she would have been the mother who would have taken over from my parents,” he said.
Speaking also, Olumuyiwa Obasanjo, her only child, said his mother would be remembered for her infectious laughter, kindness, and the advice and life lessons she shared.
“She was caring and protective—as an only child, most people understand that—but she was 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.
In his remarks, former Governor Gbenga Daniel expressed gratitude to God for the life of the late former First Lady.
“We thank God for her life. Twenty years down the line, the legacy she left behind—her son and grandchildren—will continue to miss her motherly support.
“In particular, during my time as Governor of the state, we named a motherless home after her,” he said.
In his sermon, Rev. Yusufu Obaje, the pioneer Chaplain of the State House, Abuja, described Stella Obasanjo as a woman who lived a life of submission to the will of God, noting that she lived an exemplary life.
A statement by Atiku said:
“Today, I stand in solidarity with my former boss and elder statesman, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as he marks twenty years since the passing of his beloved wife, Chief (Mrs) Stella Obasanjo.
“Stella Obasanjo was not only a devoted wife and mother but also a woman of uncommon grace, intellect, and compassion. In her time as First Lady, she served with quiet dignity and a profound sense of duty, dedicating herself to the welfare of children, women, and the less privileged. Her legacy continues to illuminate the path of service and humanity.
“On this solemn occasion, I express my solidarity to President Obasanjo and the entire Obasanjo family. May her memories continue to be a blessing, and may her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”
