Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that his mother carried his pregnancy for 12 months before his birth. The former Nigerian leader made this startling disclosure during a drama presentation held to commemorate the 66th anniversary of his late mother, Benice Obasanjo’s passing.
At the event, which took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo attributed the prolonged pregnancy to supernatural forces.
Obasanjo stated, “I was told I was in my mother’s womb for 12 months, and since I was born, I have not been left for once.”
The former president also shared insights into his family history, noting that out of nine children his mother bore, only he and his sister survived.
He added, “I was the only one who went to school because my father’s belief was that no matter how educated a female child is, she would end up in the kitchen.”
Obasanjo expressed regret that his mother did not live to witness his achievements, saying, “It was unfortunate that my mother never lived to see how great God had been so marvellously helped me to become in life and of course, enjoy the fruits of her hard labour.”
The event, which featured a drama presentation titled “Aremu omo Asabi,” was attended by several dignitaries, including representatives of the Ogun and Lagos State governors.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy Noimot Salako-Oyedele, praised Obasanjo’s mother as a great woman whose influence continues through her children’s lives. Salako-Oyedele emphasized the importance of mothers in society, stating, “This tribute is also a call to action for all of us to honour and support mothers in every way possible. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to create an enabling environment where every mother’s hope for their children can flourish.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government Salu Hundeyin, commended Obasanjo for honoring his late mother after 66 years.
Hundeyin noted, “Mothers are special instruments in the hands of God and man, that must be treated specially and accorded necessary honour.”
