Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, revealed that his mother, Mrs. Bernice Obasanjo carried his pregnancy for twelve months before his birth.
The former president attributed his late birth to the influence of some witches and wizards who gave his mother a tough time before God’s intervention.
According to a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president gave the assertion during a drama presentation titled “Aremu omo Asabi” in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, which marked the 66th birthday of his late mother, Bernice Obasanjo.
The exhibition was held on Wednesday at the main hall of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo lamented that it was a shame that his mother didn’t live long enough to see how God had marvelously helped him to become great in life and of course to enjoy the fruits of her hard work.
He said that his mother gave birth to nine children, but only he and his sister survived.
“I was told I was in my mother’s womb for twelve 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.”
However, the former president pledged at the program to support the band’s attempt to enter the Guinness Book of Records with the longest open drama.
Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who spoke on behalf of the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, said at the program that mothers will forever remain the foundation on which every society is built.
The deputy governor said Obasanjo’s mother was a great woman throughout her lifetime and her influence, through her children, would continue, especially in the life of Obasanjo, who remains a towering figure in the history of Nigeria.
The governor added that the musical drama titled, ‘Aremu Omo Asabi’ performed to commemorate her life is not only recounting history but also a direct reminder of the sacrifices of mothers and the indelible spirit passed on 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” he 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 realized,” he added
Mr. Salu Hundeyin who also spoke on behalf of the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended former president Olusegun Obasanjo for paying homage to 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.
