PHOTOS: How Obasanjo Unwinds

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was spotted playing the game ‘Ayo’ at his Ibara estate residence in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
The former president has been photographed severally engaging in activities like boxing, playing soccer and other sporting activities in the past.
See Obasanjo playing the game with an acquaintance below:

Obasanjo playing ‘Ayo’ with a friend Photo credit: Premium Times

Obasanjo playing football during his 78th birthday celebration

Not forgetting his roots, Obasanjo seems well versed in the game of Áyo, which Yorupedia explains that,
“Ayo is a Yoruba game played in a carved wooden box, containing twelve holes (six holes on each side), and forty-eight Ayo seeds (four seeds in each hole).
“Two individuals take turn to play this game, which runs anti clockwise. The first player begins by moving seeds from his right hand side to the opponent’s side. If the seed-movement terminates in a hole with three or less Ayo seeds, this player picks up the seeds, and seeds from preceding holes, if any.

Obasanjo Vs Comedian BOVI in a mock boxing match

“Players take turn until the seeds are exhausted. The player with upper hand is called Ọta, and the weak or the losing player is called Ope. Spectators’ comments on the direction of the game add colour to the game.

“If a player records three straight wins, he becomes a champion (Ọta), the loser (Ope) quits; a new player takes over. Ayo game requires deep thought, and good strategy to move seeds with the ultimate aim to win. Ayo, a relaxation game is played by menfolk; the meeting point is usually under a big tree with shade or restaurant.”
Premium Times caught up with the former president when they visited him for an interview.
Read the full interview on Premium Times.
Meanwhile, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, the former minister of transport, has issued a stern warning to former president Olusegun Obasanjo over his statement on Yoruba leadership.