Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday expressed his desire to live beyond 2040 to enable him celebrate the 20th year anniversary of the coronation of one of his favourite traditional rulers in Ogun State, the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Sabur Bakare, Jamolu II.
Obasanjo who turned 83 last March stated this in Abeokuta, Ogun State during the interdenominational service held to mark the first anniversary of the monarch.
Obasanjo stated that by 2040 he would have lived beyond 100 years and have another opportunity to celebrate with Bakare.
“I will be here to celebrate your 20 years’ anniversary with you whether I am invited or not. By the time I also partake in celebrating your 20th anniversary with you, if God wishes he can call me to come and meet him in heaven because I know by that time, I will be above 100 or more”, he said.
Obasanjo advised the monarch to ensure unity among traditional rulers in Yoruba land.
“There are times that kabiyesi doesn’t listen to words and there are times he does listen to words. If we are united there is nothing we can’t do in Yoruba land and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.
In his remarks, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, said the past one year of Bakare’s reign was characterised by direct engagement of Egba monarchs, leaders and indeed all stakeholders in Egba land for its cohesion and unity of purpose.
The Alake said the entire Egba traditional council was satisfied with the all -inclusive leadership of the Agura monarch and congratulated him on the anniversary of his coronation.
Responding, Bakare, expressed gratitude to Obasanjo, all the monarchs and well- wishers who rejoiced with him on his first anniversary and promised to work for peace in Egba land.
