“My father believed that no matter how educated a female child is, she would end up in the kitchen” – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that his only surviving sister didn’t go to school because his father believed that a woman would end up in the kitchen no matter how educated she is. 

Obasanjo spoke during a drama presentation titled “Aremu omo Asabi” held to mark 66 years remembrance of Obasanjo’s late mother, Mrs Benice Obasanjo. 

The drama was held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the main auditorium of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta. 

Obasanjo also said that his mother carried his pregnancy for 12 months before his birth.

He said that the delay in his birth was ascribed to the influence of some witches and wizards who gave his mother a tough time before God’s intervention.

Obasanjo expressed regret that his mother never lived to witness his achievements in life and enjoy the fruits of her hard labour.

He said that though his mother gave birth to nine children, only two of them, himself 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, 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.”