Akure — Pandemonium nearly broke out at Igbotako in Ondo State at a thanksgiving church service for retired Major General Olu Bajowa last Monday when former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo suddenly slumped and fell to the ground.

The former president was urgently rushed out of the church to a sickbay at the home of the celebrant around 12 noon. Obasanjo had arrived the St. Stephens Anglican Church, Igbotako, venue of the service to mark General Bajowa's 70th birthday anniversary, at about 9.00am.

Some sources told Daily Trust that even before he left Abeokuta for Igbotako, Obasanjo had complained of stomach pains. After he slumped, the ex-ruler was attended to by medical aides of Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, and he returned to the church 32 minutes later.

Present at the thanksgiving service were Governor Olusegun Mimiko and his top government functionaries, as well as the former state governor Dr. Olusegun Agagu and Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi.

Daily Trust learnt that Obasanjo's slumping stunned guests at the service and anxiety enveloped the atmosphere, with all the people discussing it in small groups.

Shortly after he was revived, Obasanjo returned to the church to continue with the service. He joined others to sing praise and worship songs. The celebrant General Bajowa, who was said to be tense with worry after Obasanjo's collapse, later danced after the former ruler returned to the church.