Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up about his time in prison and the pivotal role his late wife, Stella, played in securing his release during the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin, the Edo State capital, Obasanjo, now 87, fondly recalled how his wife worked tirelessly on his behalf.
He was arrested and jailed by the Abacha government in 1995, accused of being involved in an alleged coup plot, though he consistently maintained his innocence.
After Abacha’s death, Obasanjo was released by the regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who later became president.
“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. No amount of honour would be too much for the role she played. I had it all coming out of prison.”
Obasanjo expressed deep gratitude for his wife’s unrelenting efforts, adding, “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.”
Reflecting on his wife’s passing, which occurred during his second term as president, Obasanjo noted how much he valued the contributions she made to his public life.
“I had a woman who made tremendous contributions to my achievements in public life,” he said.
The former president also took the opportunity to thank the government and people of Edo State for honouring his late wife with the naming of the hospital, noting that her sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Obasanjo praised the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki for its achievements, particularly the completion of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital.
He described the facility as “first-class treatment for any ailment,” commending Obaseki for “starting well and finishing well. With this kind of edifice, I can say that the governor started well and is finishing well.”
In his remarks, Obasanjo also reflected on his past relationship with former Governor John Oyegun, who had worked closely with him during his tenure as president.
“I have worked in the past with the likes of John Oyegun. He was a fantastic permanent secretary,” Obasanjo said, recalling some of their shared experiences. He also expressed his admiration for the current governor.
“More grace to the elbows of the governor. With this hospital, you’re assured of first-class treatment for any ailment.”
