“She Lived for Others”: Obasanjo, Dignitaries Honour Late Wife Stella, 20 Years After Tragic Death

Ex-President leads family, friends in emotional memorial; hails her ‘life of service’ and enduring legacy
Twenty years after the heartbreaking loss of his wife and Nigeria’s former First Lady, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, ex-President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday led family members, associates, and top dignitaries to celebrate her remarkable life of service, compassion, and strength.

The 20th memorial service, held at the Chapel of Christ the King of Glory, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, was an atmosphere of solemn reflection and gratitude. Attendees described the late First Lady as a beacon of kindness, a woman of grace, and a mother whose smile could heal hearts.

Stella Obasanjo, who passed away in Spain on October 23, 2005, at the age of 59 following complications from a cosmetic surgery, was remembered not only as Nigeria’s First Lady from 1999 to 2005, but also as a devoted humanitarian and a strong pillar beside her husband during his presidency.

The surgery — a liposuction procedure she reportedly underwent in preparation for her 60th birthday — tragically went wrong. Years later, the surgeon, identified only as “AM”, was sentenced to one year in prison by a Spanish court in 2009.

“We Are Here to Celebrate a Life of Service” — Obasanjo

Speaking after the memorial service, Chief Obasanjo said the day was not one for mourning but for celebrating a life that inspired service to others.

> “We are here to celebrate a life of service,” he told journalists, his voice reflecting a deep sense of loss mixed with gratitude.

In his autobiography My Watch, Obasanjo revealed that he had been unaware of his wife’s decision to undergo the surgery, which led to her untimely death. He also recalled the pain of enduring false accusations surrounding her passing.

> “Before the verdict in Spain, I was unaware of what I came to hear later — that I might have caused the death of my wife to sacrifice her for success in my job. That is how wicked and satanic some Nigerians can be in their rumours and mischief,” he wrote.

“Her Smile Melted Every Heart” — John Abebe

In an emotional tribute, Mr. John Abebe, the younger brother of the late First Lady, described her as “a light in every dark room.”

> “Sister Stella was someone you just couldn’t stay angry with. Her smile melted every heart and lifted every spirit,” he said.

He recalled how her mere presence brought comfort to their parents during family tragedies.

> “When she came home after our eldest brother’s death, everything changed. Her laughter and warmth brought peace to the house again.”

“She Was Caring but Firm” — Muyiwa Obasanjo

Her only son, Muyiwa Obasanjo, described his late mother as loving, disciplined, and deeply protective.

> “She was caring and protective, but also strict. She didn’t tolerate deviation from doing the right thing, and that’s a principle I’ve kept close to my heart,” he said.

Governors Pay Tribute: “She Elevated the Office of First Lady”

Former Ogun State Governors, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, were among the dignitaries at the service. Both men paid glowing tributes to the late Stella Obasanjo, describing her as a patriotic woman who gave meaning to the role of First Lady.

Daniel recalled her impact during his tenure as governor:

> “We thank God for her life. Twenty years down the line, her legacy remains. During my time as governor, we named a motherless home after her — a small way of keeping her memory alive,” he said.

Amosun, on his part, lauded her composure and commitment to national unity.

> “She loved Nigeria deeply. As First Lady, she carried herself with dignity and grace. She promoted the office and used it to serve humanity,” he said.
He prayed that “the good Lord will continue to grant her eternal rest.”

Gone but Never Forgotten

Two decades may have passed, but Stella Obasanjo’s legacy continues to inspire. Through her compassion for the less privileged, her work in women’s empowerment, and her unwavering commitment to family, she left a mark that time cannot erase.

As the choir’s final hymn filled the chapel and the candles flickered in remembrance, one truth resonated among all present — that Stella Obasanjo’s story was not of tragedy, but of timeless grace, courage, and service to humanity.