Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently reflected on his time in prison, crediting his late wife, Stella Obasanjo, for her unwavering efforts to secure his freedom.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin, Edo State, Obasanjo shared how Stella tirelessly campaigned for his release during his imprisonment under General Sani Abacha’s regime, where he was accused of being involved in a coup.
He was eventually freed by AbdulSalam Abubakar’s administration after Abacha’s death, a pivotal moment that led to his rise to the presidency.
Now aged 87, Obasanjo praised Stella’s dedication, stating, “My late wife went everywhere to ensure I came out of prison alive. She traveled to the Vatican City, France, and other parts of the world. I owe my release to her.” He emphasized, “No honor could ever be too much for her role.”
Expressing gratitude for the hospital named in her memory, he said, “I had a partner who contributed immensely to my achievements in public life.”
Obasanjo also lauded Governor Godwin Obaseki for his contributions to the hospital, noting, “This hospital assures first-class treatment, and with this, I can say the governor has started and is finishing well in office.”
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