By Kolawole Ojebisi
A former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Sunday, said his conception and birth were a departure from the norm as he spent three-and- a half years in the ethereal world of his late mother’s womb.
Amosun noted that his birth defied logic and had a tinge of mystery stressing that many of his older relatives still see it as nothing short of a miracle to date.
The ex-governor said many people couldn’t believe he was a human being at birth, having stayed for such a long period before birth.
He gave the startling revelation at the 25th remembrance prayer for his late mother, Rafatu Sanusi-Amosun, held at the Amosun family residence in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The former lawmaker’s mother died on October 27, 1999. At the event, Amosun emphasised the importance of honouring one’s parents even after their passing, a principle he said is supported by both the Quran and the Bible.
He said: “Beyond respecting our parents when they are no longer around, the best gift we can offer them is prayer. Since this is a significant 25-year milestone, we decided to make it slightly more elaborate — not a celebration, but a gathering to seek Allah’s forgiveness on her behalf.
“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.”
Amosun said it was one of the reasons his father named him ‘Duro-o-rike,’ meaning, ‘Stay and be given the best of care.’
The former governor explained that his conception too was mysterious as well adding that the pregnancy appeared and disappeared over a prolonged 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 added.
Amosun’s elder brother, Abidoye Amosun, corroborated the story, adding that three days before the naming ceremony, their father sent a traditional naming gift along with a letter which contained the names of the newborn.
Amosun reflected on the transient nature of life, calling for prayers for his late mother and all departed souls.
The remembrance ceremony was attended by prominent Islamic leaders from Egbaland and beyond, as well as aides who served alongside the governor during his eight-year tenure in the state, as well as several family members.
