Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently reflected on his time in prison and the pivotal role played by his late wife, Stella, in securing his release.
Obasanjo shared his thoughts during the inauguration of the 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin, the capital of Edo State.
He recalled being arrested and imprisoned by the late General Sani Abacha over an alleged coup plot, despite his consistent claims of innocence.
Obasanjo was eventually released by the junta led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar after Abacha’s death, prior to Obasanjo assuming the presidency.
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Stella, who also hailed from Edo State, was actively involved in the campaign for his release and later became the first lady during Obasanjo’s presidency. She passed away during his second term in office.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the 87-year-old Obasanjo expressed deep gratitude to his late wife, acknowledging her relentless efforts and unwavering commitment to securing his freedom.
He added that she travelled far and extensively over the issue and “no amount of honour would be too much for the role she played”.
“My late wife went everywhere to ensure that I came out of prison alive. She was in Vatican City, France and other parts of the world. I had it all coming out of prison.
“We were planning for her 68th birthday anniversary but never had it before she died. It was very painful for me in particular and for all of us in my family.
“So you can appreciate how thankful I am to you for doing this in her honour”, he noted.
He thanked the government and people of Edo State for the honour adding that “I had a woman who made tremendous contributions to my achievements in public life”.
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