Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently disclosed that his only surviving sister did not receive any formal education because their father believed that a woman’s education would ultimately lead her to end up in the kitchen.
Obasanjo shared this during a drama presentation titled “Aremu omo Asabi,” which was held to commemorate the 66th anniversary of his late mother, Mrs. Benice Obasanjo, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The event took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
In his remarks, Obasanjo recounted that his mother carried him for a full 12 months before his birth. He attributed the extended pregnancy to the interference of witches and wizards, who created significant challenges until divine intervention resolved the issue.
Obasanjo expressed his regret that his mother did not live to witness his accomplishments or enjoy the fruits of her labor. Despite giving birth to nine children, only Obasanjo and his sister survived.
He said: “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.
“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.”
