During the week, I got an invite from Chief Obasanjo’s people for his birthday. President Obasanjo’s birthdays are always a spectacle as the whole Nigeria used to look like they descend on Abeokuta for such festivities.
Last year, I was there and had so much fun.
They even recognised me in the hall as the MC called my name, and I stood up to be recognised. After that, we went to the after-party where I unwrapped my afang that I had brought from Lagos – you know, Yoruba people no dey understand some of these things, all their own is stew and pepper.
Well, this year, I will not be going because the person who used to carry me, Dr Austin Ebose, says he will not go because he is struggling with a headache.
Anyway, let me tell you guys one small story in honour of this legendary figure.
That was how we sat in his personal study at the sprawling Presidential Library in Abeokuta, going through the script of his play ‘Aremu.’ Professor Ahmed Yerima, Yemi Shodimu and Ibi Sofekun were there with me. As Chief Obasanjo was scrolling through the script, he kept staring at my hair. He was kinda amused by it and kept glancing. I knew he wanted to say something, but fear catch him because he did not want me to risk cancelling the show. How many Nigerians have a whole Duke of Shomolu doing play on them while alive? Zik and Awo got theirs long after they had passed. So, Baba, being the very brilliant and crafty Owu man that he is, knew not to look for my trouble, but he kept staring.
After the very long session, as we signed off and when he was very sure that he had the gig in the bag, he looked straight into my eye and said: “Why do you keep your hair like this?” I smiled and said, “Sir, it is my own juju.” I wanted to also ask him, “Sir, why is your own hair like gorimapa?” But I also knew that the koboko that would follow my backside that day would be the one that I would not be able to sit down on for days.
So, I just closed my mouth, smiled and walked away into the safety of Shodimu’s car that brought me there.
Happy birthday to the greatest ever living Nigerian. Say whatever, they no longer build Nigerians like Chief Obasanjo again. The ones we dey get, na those kind ones wey full National Assembly.
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