Obasanjo visits his 91-year-old ex-teacher

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo , on Monday evening , paid a visit to his 91 -year – old former English language teacher and mentor , Mr James Popoola , in Ilaro .A statement by Obasanjo ’ s media aide , Kehinde Akinyemi , made available to journalists in Abeokuta on Wednesday , said the former President was accompanied on the visit by his classmate and close friend , who is the traditional ruler of Ibara , Oba Jacob Omolade .

It was gathered that Pa Popoola taught both Obasanjo and Oba Omolade at the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta , in the 1950 s .

The statement said Obasanjo engaged the former tutor in banters while recalling some old memories .

The statement read in part “ The trip , which was led by one of the teacher’ s children , Akin , from his Abeokuta residence , saw Obasanjo arriving into the waiting arms of Mr and Mrs Popoola at the family house in Ilaro , Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, at around 5 pm .

“ It was an elated Pa Popoola who said . ‘ I can ’ t believe it . You mean I will host you in my house today before my death ? It was 35 years ago I met you . Oh ! I am delighted , very delighted ’ .

“ Obasanjo made a move to take over his ( Popoola’ s ) wheelchair to drive him back into the large sitting room , saying , ‘ We are delighted too sir . Let us come inside . I am here with Kabiyesi too. You remember him ? Jacob Omolade , that boy that ’… . ”

“ Ahhh ! Kabiyesi o ! Yes , I remember him . The Olubara , ” Popoola interjected , as the traditional ruler stretched out a hand to shake him .

Obasanjo said it had always been his desire to visit the ex – teacher but for his tight schedule .

At that point , the former teacher ’ s aged wife , Mojisola , joined in the exchange of banters .

“ Daddy often remembers all your pranks . He must be very happy receiving you today , ” she told Obasanjo and the monarch .

Pa Popoola thanked the visitors and prayed for their continuous success in life .
When our correspondent pointed out the age difference between the ex -teacher and Obasanjo , who will be 82 next year , Akinyemi said , “ Anyone that attended the standard class in those days could teach . With a three – month course then , you could be a teacher . He ( Popoola ) could have been a Grade II teacher then with eight or nine years ’ difference between the ages of the teacher and his pupils . ”

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