Obasanjo jokes about missing Olota's 80th birthday celebration

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo brought a moment of levity to the 60th birthday celebration of the Olota of Ota, Oba Professor Abdulkabir Obalanlege. While offering prayers for the monarch, the 89-year-old statesman made a lighthearted remark about future milestones.

Speaking in Yoruba, Obasanjo calculated the timeline of the monarch’s future birthday celebrations. He noted that he would be 99 at the king’s 70th birthday and nearly 110 at his 80th. Playfully, he asked to be excused from the latter milestone, stating, “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.”

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Kabiyesi, I called you this morning and prayed for you.

The remarks were met with laughter from the dignitaries, traditional rulers, and guests gathered to honor Oba Obalanlege on his diamond jubilee. The event also saw Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde prostrate before Obasanjo as he took the stage, a moment capturing traditional Yoruba respect and cultural display.

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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.