Former President Olusegun Obasanjo brought humour and warmth to the 60th birthday celebration of the Olota of Ota, Oba Professor Abdulkabir Obalanlege, as he prayed for the monarch and joked about attending his future milestone birthdays.
Speaking in Yoruba at the anniversary celebration, the 89-year-old elder statesman recalled his early-morning call to the traditional ruler before making a playful comment about the king’s future birthdays.
“Kabiyesi, I called you this morning and prayed for you,” Obasanjo said in Yoruba.
He sparked laughter among the guests as he worked out how old he would be during the monarch’s upcoming milestone celebrations.
Obasanjo noted that he would be 99 when the Olota turns 70 and close to 110 when the monarch clocks 80, joking that he might not be available for the latter celebration.
“I’m here celebrating your 60th birthday. I’ll join you for your 70th birthday in 10 years, but for your 80th birthday, which is 20 years from now, ẹ yonda mi (you’ll excuse me); you’ll celebrate that one the way it pleases you,” Obasanjo said.
His remark triggered laughter among dignitaries, traditional rulers and other guests who gathered to celebrate Oba Obalanlege’s diamond jubilee.
NEWSCLICKNG Online also reported that Fuji icon King Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, fully prostrated before Obasanjo after stepping onto the stage, in a display of traditional Yoruba respect and culture.
