Former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, revealed that his late mother carried him for three and a half years, calling his birth nothing short of a miracle.
He noted that many people struggled to believe he was a human being at birth due to the unusually long gestation period.
Amosun made this revelation during the 25th remembrance prayer for his late mother, Alhaja Rafatu Sanusi-Amosun, held at the Amosun family residence in Abeokuta. Alhaja Sanusi-Amosun passed away on October 27, 1999.
At the event, Amosun emphasized the importance of honoring one’s parents, even after their passing, a principle supported by both the Quran and the Bible. “Beyond respecting our parents when they are no longer around, the best gift we can offer them is prayer,” he said.
Reflecting on the significance of the 25-year milestone, he added, “We decided to make it slightly more elaborate—not a celebration, but a gathering to seek Allah’s forgiveness on her behalf.”
Amosun recounted, “I spent three and a half years in my mother’s womb. My father, who was not present at the time, even arranged for fuel to be bought to burn my body if I did not survive the birth.” He explained that his mother’s pregnancy was a mystery to many, as it appeared and disappeared over the extended period.
“When I was finally born, many people fled, unable to believe I was a human being, but here I am today, alive and well,” he said.
His elder brother, Alhaji Abidoye Amosun, corroborated the story, sharing that three days before the naming ceremony, their father sent a traditional naming gift along with a letter containing the names for the newborn. He recalled, “When we opened it, we saw the names and a ram for the ceremony.”
Abidoye also shared their father’s wisdom: “He warned all of us not to envy him; rather, we should love him and be honest with him so that we can benefit immensely from him. I can tell you that anytime we need to do anything in the family, he will finance it all, sometimes covering more than half, leaving a little for us to contribute. He has been a blessing to us.”
Amosun reflected on the transient nature of life, calling for prayers for his late mother and all departed souls. “We pray Allah forgives them and grants them Al Jannah Firdausi,” he said, expressing hope that his family would pray for him as well when his time comes.
The remembrance ceremony was attended by prominent Islamic leaders from Egbaland and beyond, as well as aides who served alongside Amosun during his eight years in office.
He is indeed a man destined for greatness haven wrestled with the forces of nature to make it to the world. May his mother’s soul rest in peace.