Former President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed on Thursday that his mother carried his pregnancy for 12 months before his birth.
He attributed the delay to the influence of witches and wizards who troubled his mother until God intervened.
According to a statement by his media assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president made this assertion during a drama presentation titled “Aremu omo Asabi,” held to commemorate 66 years since the passing of his late mother, Bernice Obasanjo.
The drama took place on Wednesday at the main auditorium of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Former President Obasanjo expressed regret that his mother never lived to see how greatly God had blessed him and to enjoy the fruits of her hard labor. He mentioned that although his mother gave birth to nine children, 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,” he said.
“I was the only one who went to school because my father’s belief was that no matter how educated a female child is, she would end up in the kitchen.”
The former president, during the program, pledged to support the troupe’s endeavor to present the longest open drama and achieve a Guinness World Record.
Speaking at the event, the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, emphasized that mothers will always be the cornerstone of any society’s foundation.
The deputy governor praised Obasanjo’s mother as a remarkable woman, noting that her influence continues through her children, especially Obasanjo, who remains a significant figure in Nigeria’s history.
The governor added that the musical drama, ‘Aremu Omo Asabi,’ performed in her honor, not only recounted history but also served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices mothers make and the enduring spirit they impart to their children.
“This tribute is also a call to action for all of us to honour 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
“This is why the present administration continues to pursue policies which ensure access to quality education, healthcare and opportunities for all so that the dreams that mothers have for their children can be realised,” he said”
Also speaking, his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Salu Hundeyin, commended Obasanjo for honouring his late mother after 66 years, pointing out that mothers are special instruments in the hands of God and man, that must be treated specially and accorded necessary honour.