Former President Olusegun Obasanjo reveals that his mother carried him for 12 months, battling witches and wizards. This untold story, shared at a drama presentation in her honor, highlights the enduring sacrifices of mothers.
Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has revealed a startling and deeply personal story about his birth, attributing the prolonged pregnancy to a battle with witches and wizards. He disclosed that his mother carried him for an unprecedented 12 months before giving birth.
The revelation came during the presentation of a drama titled “Aremu omo Asabi,” held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in honor of his late mother. Obasanjo expressed regret that his mother did not live long enough to enjoy the fruits of her labor, highlighting the sacrifices she made.
“I was told I was in her womb for 12 months, and since I was born, I have not been left for once,” he recounted. “She had nine children, but two of us survived, myself and my sister. I was the only one who went to school because my father believed that no matter how educated a female child is, she would end up in the kitchen.”
The event also saw remarks from notable figures, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who described Mama Bernice Obasanjo as a great woman whose influence endures through her children, especially Chief Obasanjo. Represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun emphasized the foundational role of mothers in society.
“This tribute is also a call to action for all of us to honor and support mothers in every way possible,” Abiodun stated. “It is a reminder 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 Mrs. Salu Hundeyin, praised Obasanjo for honoring his late mother after 66 years, noting the special role mothers play in both divine and human realms.
The presentation served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices mothers make and the importance of honoring their legacy, a sentiment echoed by all speakers at the event.
