20 years after, Obasanjo family, dignitaries honour Stella’s life of grace in Abeokuta

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, his family members and close associates, yesterday, converged on the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, OOPL, Abeokuta, to mark the 20th memorial of the late First Lady, Stella Obasanjo.

The service, attended by former Ogun governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, among others, was held in thanksgiving for what Obasanjo described as “a life of service.”

Taking his turn at the service, John Abebe, younger brother to the late First Lady, said she was “a woman whose smile disarmed anger and softened grief.”

“When our eldest brother died, as soon as Stella entered from Abeokuta to be with our parents, the atmosphere changed. With her smile and encouragement, the sorrow was reduced,” Abebe recalled.

He disclosed that Stella’s only child, Olumuyiwa, now in his late 40s, has two children aged 17 and 12, “and they are doing very well.”

“Had she been alive, she would have taken over the motherly role from my parents,” he added.

Olumuyiwa, in his tribute, said his mother would be remembered for her “infectious laughter, kindness, and the uncompromising standards she instilled.

“She was protective, but strict. I have held on to that and tried to live my life by it,” he said.

Also speaking, former governor Gbenga Daniel thanked God for Stella’s life and legacy.

“Twenty years down the line, her son and grandchildren still miss her motherly support. We named a motherless home after her during my tenure,” Daniel said.

In his sermon, Rev. Yusufu Obaje, pioneer State House Chaplain, Abuja, said Stella Obasanjo lived “a life submitted to the will of God” and urged believers to emulate her devotion.