Christmas: Obasanjo visits 91 year-old class teacher. 

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has paid a visit, described as nostalgia, to his former class teacher and mentor, 91years, Mr. James Akanbi Popoola.

Obasanjo, who was accompanied on the historic visit by another classmate and close friend, the traditional ruler of Ibara, Oba Jacob Omolade, on Monday evening, engaged the retired aged tutor in old memories and banters to the admiration of the trio.

The trip, which was piloted by one of the teacher’s children, Akin, from his Abeokuta residence, saw Obasanjo arriving into the waiting hands of Mr and Mrs Popoola at family house at Ilaro, in Yewa South local government area of Ogun state, at about 5.00pm.

It was the elated Mr Popoola that started with words of amazement. “I can’t believe it. Can’t believe it. I am happy today. Very happy. You mean I will host you in my house today, before my death. It was 35 years ago I met you. You are welcome. Oh! I am delighted, very delighted.”

Obasanjo made move to take over his wheelchair to drive him back into the large sitting room, responding, “we are delighted too Sir. Let us come inside. I am here with Kabiyesi too. You remembered? Jacob Omolade, that boy that….”

“Ahhh! Kabiyesi o! Yes, I remember him. The Olu ‘bara,” Mr. Popoola interjected, as the traditional ruler warmed his hands with him.

Obasanjo said it has always been his desire to come visiting, “but, for my tight schedule. So, I impressed it on Kabiyesi to let us come during this period. So, when Akin arrived, I sent a message to Kabiyesi that today, we have to break the jinx and to greet you for Xmas.

“We are happy to see you sir. And I had told Kabiyesi that I am going to remind you of his behavior in class. Do you remember sir? The former President asked.

Still displaying his mental alertness, Mr Popoola joked thus: “I remember everything about Kabiyesi, don’t say it (all burst into laughter), don’t say it, Your Excellency.” 

At this point, the aged wife, Mrs Mojisola Popoola also joined in the exchange of banters, which clearly showed that despite their ages, the couple still have fond memories of the past.

“Daddy often times remember all your pranks. He must be very happy receiving you today,” she said.

The visiting “pupils” through Obasanjo later handed over an envelope to Mr Popoola and directed that a bag of rice should be brought from the vehicle. 

The elated Popoola thanked them and prayed for their continuous successes in life. Oba Omolade remarked that the gesture was part of the reward a teacher would continue to get here on earth, “though they say, teacher’s reward is in heaven. But, we should be doing it while we all still alive.”

Obasanjo also prayed for Mr Popoola, who taught them at the Baptist Boys High school, Abeokuta, in the 50s.