By Abiola Olawale
In a moment that’s already lighting up social media, former President Olusegun Obasanjo turned a formal courtesy visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State into a masterclass in Yoruba wit and elder-statesman charm.
During his recent visit to Ondo State for the 75th birthday celebration of renowned constitutional lawyer Dr. Tunji Abayomi, the former Nigerian leader shared a lighthearted exchange with Aiyedatiwa.
The development occurred when Obasanjo paid a courtesy visit to Aiyedatiwa at the government’s office.
As the two leaders settled into conversation, the governor, embodying the filial piety deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, extended a chair to his guest with a warm insistence: “Baba, please sit. You cannot stand to address your son.”
However, Obasanjo waved off the offer with a firm yet affectionate rebuttal. He declared that he had to stand to address the Governor.
The room erupted in laughter as the “father-son” standoff played out.
Speaking further during the meeting, Obasanjo commended the leadership style of the Ondo State Governor.
He praised the governor for his developmental strides since assuming office, noting that the achievements of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration “sweeten his ears.”
“After your (Aiyedatiwa’s) campaign visit, I have been hearing from the grapevine about your successes and achievements, and it sweetens my ears. What I have been hearing about your performance since you assumed office gladdens me greatly,” Obasanjo said.
He also lauded the governor for sustaining peace and hospitality across the state, noting that Aiyedatiwa had proved critics wrong through visible developmental projects executed by his administration.
Obasanjo further applauded the governor’s loyalty to the cause of humanity, adding that his commitment to good governance continues to earn him the trust and support of the people.
“I had planned to celebrate the birthday in Abeokuta, but Tunji Abayomi said you would take it over. I said, ‘Yes, my prayer has been answered.’
“As I grow old, I will have people coming behind me to take over responsibilities that I should no longer be handling. I thank you most sincerely for that,” he added.
