Former President Olusegun Obasanjo shared that his sister didn't attend school due to their father's belief that women belonged in the kitchen. Speaking at a drama event commemorating his late mother, Obasanjo reflected on his upbringing and his mother's hardships.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed that his only surviving sister did not attend school due to his father's belief that a woman, no matter how educated, would end up in the kitchen. Obasanjo made this disclosure during a drama presentation titled “Aremu omo Asabi,” commemorating 66 years since his mother, Mrs. Bernice Obasanjo's passing. The event was held on July 24, 2024, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
During his speech, Obasanjo shared that his mother endured a 12-month pregnancy, a period attributed to witchcraft interference before divine intervention. He expressed regret that his mother never lived to see his achievements or enjoy the fruits of her labor. Despite giving birth to nine children, only Obasanjo and his sister survived.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Obasanjo noted, “I was the only one who went to school because my father believed that no matter how educated a female child is, she would end up in the kitchen.” This remark sparked various reactions on social media.
One commenter saluted Obasanjo's journey from such a background to becoming president, both during a military regime and in a democratic government. Another noted the significant progress women have made in education and business, contrasting the outdated views of Obasanjo’s father. Some comments criticized the archaic mindset, while others pointed out that such beliefs were common in the past. One remark humorously suggested Obasanjo exposed a conspiracy theory about his heritage, while another praised his resilience despite his tough beginnings.
