Obasanjo: I Abandoned Arabic School Over Fear Of Cane

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday narrated how the fear of cane made him to abandon Arabic school when he was young.

Caning or flogging is one of the corporal punishments adopted by Arabic instructors as a corrective measure on pupils.

Speaking on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the former President who holds doctoral degree in Christian Theology, narrated his pursuit of Arabic knowledge.

He spoke during the inauguration and turbaning of Sheikh Salis Alao Adenekan as the Grand Caliph of the Tijaniyyah for Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States.

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Obasanjo, in his brief remarks, told the Islamic gathering that as religious believers they must all strive for Al-janat (paradise) as the final abode of the righteous.

He submitted that whoever thinks of paradise as his or her final abode would not joke with his religious beliefs and practices.

Obasanjo said, “I am here to greet you. What we are gathered for has to do with religion. And one of our major goals, while living on earth is to make Al-janat. Whoever knows there is Al-janat, he or she won’t joke about the religious practices during his or her sojourn on earth.

“I thank you all for the honour and celebration of our leader in Islam, Sheikh Adenekan. May your reign bring blessing to you and the organization.”

Speaking on his botched pursuit of Arabic knowledge, he said “When I was young, I have told the story many times, that Koboko (horsewhip) did not allow me to learn Kewu (Arabic) effectively. But despite that I still remember many of those songs that we used to render.”

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CREDIT: ALLSCHOOL, Daily Trust