Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo recently opened up about his imprisonment during General Sani Abacha’s military regime and shared how his late wife, Stella Obasanjo, played a key role in his eventual release.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City, Edo State, Obasanjo expressed gratitude for Stella’s tireless efforts during his challenging period of incarceration.
Obasanjo, who was imprisoned on accusations of plotting a coup, was released after Abacha’s sudden death when AbdulSalam Abubakar took office. Following his release, he later became president, a path he credits partly to the relentless support of Stella, who was originally from Edo State.
Reflecting on her dedication, he shared, “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.”
The former president praised Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for honoring Stella’s memory by completing the hospital project. He commended Obaseki’s leadership, adding, “With this hospital, you’re assured of first-class treatment for any ailment. More grace to the elbows of the governor.”
Obasanjo also took a moment to reflect on his previous work with former Edo Governor John Odigie Oyegun, whom he described as an exceptional figure in public service.
He expressed his gratitude for the hospital’s dedication to Stella, saying it was a fitting tribute to a woman who made “tremendous contributions to my achievements in public life.”
