Twenty years after her tragic passing, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday, led his family, associates, and friends to a memorial service in honour of his late wife and former First Lady, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo.
The solemn service, held at the Chapel of Christ the King of Glory within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, drew an array of dignitaries including former Ogun State governors, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, as well as family members and close allies of the Obasanjo family.
Speaking briefly with journalists after the service, Obasanjo described the event as “a celebration of a life of service,” noting that Stella lived her life in devotion to God and humanity.
Mrs. Stella Obasanjo died on October 23, 2005, at the age of 59, following complications from an elective cosmetic surgery in Spain, which was intended to mark her 60th birthday. Her death shocked the nation and sparked widespread discussions on medical ethics and cosmetic procedures abroad.
Delivering a heartfelt tribute, her younger brother, John Abebe, recalled her as a woman whose warmth and smile could lighten even the darkest moments.
“Sister Stella was someone you just couldn’t get angry with because she would always smile through everything — every difficulty,” Abebe said emotionally.
In his reflection, Stella’s only son, Muyiwa Obasanjo, remembered her as a caring yet disciplined mother who valued integrity and hard work.
“She was protective but firm. As an only child, she never allowed me to deviate from the right path. I’ve tried to live my life with that same discipline and principle,” he said.
Former governors Amosun and Daniel also spoke glowingly of the late First Lady, describing her as a symbol of grace, strength, and service.
“Stella’s candour, compassion, and sense of duty remain an inspiration. She lived an exemplary life that continues to impact those who knew her,” Daniel noted.
Stella Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s First Lady from 1999 until her death in 2005. She was known for her advocacy for women’s rights and her involvement in charitable causes, particularly through her pet project, the Child Care Trust.
Her legacy continues to be celebrated through memorial initiatives and the enduring influence of her humanitarian work.
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