•Obasanjo Popoola
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo paid a surprise visit to his Nonagenarian former class teacher and mentor, in Ogun State, Pa James Akanbi Popoola, with the face of the 91 years old retired teacher erupting in joy.
The seemingly tortuous trip which was piloted by one of the teacher's children, Akin, from his Abeokuta home, saw Obasanjo passing through the Abeokuta - Lagos road which at a point, zigzagged into Ilaro, the Headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area of the state, before arriving into the waiting hands of Mr and Mrs Popoola at the family house in a relatively serene area of the town.
Ebora Owu was accompanied on the historic visit by yet another classmate and close friend, the traditional ruler of Ibara, Oba Jacob Omolade, where the aged tutor engaged the duo in banters that elicited old memories to the admiration of the trio.
Popoola who taught the duo of Obasanjo and Omolade at the Baptist Boys High school, Abeokuta, in the 50s, was highly elated to see them, recalling that he last met the ex-President, in particular, 35 years ago.
"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," Popoola said.
Obasanjo also responded that they were glad to see him once again.
"we are delighted too Sir. Let us come inside. I am here with Kabiyesi too. You remembered? Jacob Omolade, that boy that...,Obasanjo said to which the elderly man retorted: "Ahhh! Kabiyesi o! Yes, I remember him. The Olu 'bara."
Obasanjo revealed that 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 Pa Popoola, also directed that a bag of rice be brought from the vehicle and given to his teacher.
The elated Popoola lauded them and prayed for their continuous successes in life.
Oba Omolade his remarks, said the gesture was part of the reward a teacher should 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," the monarch said.
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