Former head of state, Olusegun Obasanjo has recounted his time in prison and how his late wife, Stella Obasanjo secured his release.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obasanjo was arrested and convicted by late Sani Abacha-led military regime in 1995 over his alleged involvement in a planned coup.
Stella was a vocal advocate demanding his release before he was released after four years by Abdulsalam Abubakar, after Abacha’s death.
She died on October 23, 2005, while undergoing a liposuction surgery.
While speaking on Friday at inauguration of 250-bed space Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin, Obasanjo revealed his late wife travelled to Vatican City and other parts of the world to ensure his freedom.
“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.”
“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.”
“So you can appreciate how thankful I am to you for doing this in her honour.”
Obasanjo thanked Edo state government for honouring his late wife “who made tremendous contributions to my achievements in public life.”
The former head of state commended Godwin Obaseki, Governor of the state for “starting and finishing well”.
He said, “I have worked in the past with the likes of John Oyegun; he was a fantastic permanent secretary. I reminded him recently of some of the things that he practised on me and the ones I practised on him.”
“With this hospital, you’re assured of first-class treatment for any ailment. More grace to the elbows of the governor. With this kind of edifice, I can say that the governor started well and is finishing well.”
