Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed the delay in his birth to the influence of supernatural forces, claiming that witches and wizards troubled his mother before divine intervention.
This revelation was made during a drama presentation titled “Aremu omo Asabi,” held in remembrance of his late mother, Bernice Obasanjo, 66 years after her passing. The event took place on Wednesday at the main auditorium of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According to a statement issued by his media assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo expressed sorrow that his mother did not live to witness the significant impact God had on his life and to enjoy the fruits of her labor. He revealed that his mother had nine children, but only he and his sister survived.
“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. She had nine children, but two of us survived, myself and my sister,” Obasanjo said. “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.”
During the program, Obasanjo pledged to support the troupe’s effort to present the longest open drama to clinch a Guinness World Record.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, praised Obasanjo’s mother as a great woman whose influence endures through her children, particularly Obasanjo, a formidable figure in Nigeria’s history. She emphasized that mothers are the foundation of any society.
The deputy governor described the musical drama “Aremu Omo Asabi” as not only recounting history but also highlighting the sacrifices mothers make and the indelible spirit they pass on to their children. “This tribute is also a call to action for all of us to honor 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,” she said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Salu Hundeyin, commended Obasanjo for honoring his late mother after 66 years. He highlighted that mothers are special instruments in the hands of God and must be treated with respect and honor.
“This is why the present administration continues to pursue policies ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities for all, so the dreams mothers have for their children can be realized,” Sanwo-Olu added.
