Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that witches and wizards caused his mother, Bernice Obasanjo, to carry him for 12 months before giving birth.

Speaking at a drama presentation titled “Aremu omo Asabi” in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to mark the 66th anniversary of his late mother’s passing, Obasanjo shared this unusual story.

His media assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, released a statement on the event held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

Reflecting on his early life, Obasanjo expressed regret that his mother did not live to witness his achievements.

He mentioned that she had nine children, but 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—me and my sister,” Obasanjo said.

He added, “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.”

At the event, Obasanjo also pledged to support the drama troupe’s attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the longest open drama.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the critical role of mothers in society.

She praised Obasanjo’s mother as an extraordinary woman whose legacy lives on through her children, particularly Obasanjo, who remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s history.