Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday evening, paid a visit to his 91-year-old former teacher and mentor, Mr James Popoola, who taught him English language.
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 1950s.
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 5pm.
“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 the age difference between the ex-teacher and Obasanjo, who will be 82 next year was pointed out, 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.”
