Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has revealed how he spent three and a half years in the womb of his mother, Alhaja Rafatu Mojisola Sanusi-Amosun, before he was born.

The former governor, while speaking during the 25 year remembrance of the late mother who died in October 1999 at the age of 80, said members of the family ran away when the news on his birth was broken.

The event was held at the Akin-Olugbade, Abeokuta family house of the former Governor during the weekend.

Amosun said his father who couldn't belief the news of his birth ordered for a liter of petrol to 'burn it', as the pregnancy was disappearing and reappearing such that it was a general belief that his mother's ordeal was spiritual.

"I spent three and a half years in the womb before I was born, it wasn't a joke, the pregnancy was appearing and disappearing such that people believed it was spiritual.

"When the news was broken to my father, he asked if they have 'burn it', but when they told him it was a baby, he couldn't believe and asked them to buy petrol, they kept the petrol here (family house).

"A lot of family members ran away, they couldn't belief it and the petrol was kept in this compound. When the father finally came to terms with my birth, he named me 'Duro’orike', meaning 'stay and be blessed'.

Alhaji Abidoye Amosun, Senator Amosun's elder brother who was asked to tell the full story, corroborated the narrative of his brother, saying ‘everything he said his the truth’.

He said, “Three days before the naming ceremony, we went to Lafenwa train station and our father sent a he goat with a waybill on its neck. Our father sent Amosun’s name through the waybill on the neck of the he-goat and the name sent to us was Muhammad Ikleel Oyealaja Aka’no Duro’oorike, 'ku ko jiya' It was our mother who named him Oluwatoyin.

“Our father was fond of Duro’orike as a name more than any other name, it was our mother who named him ‘Oluwatoyin’, the name that Mama was also fond of calling and that is why Mama was popularly known as ‘Mama Toyin’.

“He include ‘Ku ko jiya’ in the waybill because the petrol was prepared that if he didn’t stay, the remains will be burnt.”

Popularly called Alhaji Agba, elder Amosun also recalled how their fathers forewarned them to love and stay with Amosun with all sincerity as there lies their own prosperity.

Alhaji Agba said he’s a living witnesses to the fulfillment of the prophesy as Amosun grew up to be a worthy breadwinner of the family.

“Our father foretold us before his death that we should stand by him in sincerity and that it is the only way to our own prosperity, he also warned us not to be envious of him in order for us to be successful and I am a living witness to that prophesy.

"I can tell you that anytime we need to do anything in the family, he will finance all of it, and sometimes he finances more than two quarter, just for us to have a little contribution. He has been a blessing to us.”

The remembrance had in attendance Islamic scholars and family members who offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the former governor's mother.

Amosun at the event emphasized the importance of honoring 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.”

Amosun also 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 own time comes.

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 years tenure in the state, prominently amongst whom was the former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Architech ‘Lekan Adegbite.