Tinubu absent as Obasanjo shows up in Aso Rock

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo paid a visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, marking his first appearance at Aso Rock since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

Obasanjo, who has been openly critical of the current administration, had previously stayed away from the Villa, including occasions when he was invited to significant gatherings such as meetings of the Council of State.

During the period of what appeared to be diplomatic tension between the Tinubu and Trump administrations, the former president had made a pointed remark directed at the Nigerian leader, recalling that while he was in office, the United States did not take major actions in Africa without first notifying Nigeria.

Obasanjo made the comment after Trump warned that America could deploy troops to Nigeria if the Federal Government failed to halt the “killing of Christians”.

Although he did not directly reference the controversy, Obasanjo reflected on a time when Nigeria was widely recognised as Africa’s undisputed leader. He said the country once enjoyed strong international respect, adding that the late U.S. President Jimmy Carter routinely informed Nigeria before taking any action on the continent.

“They were not seeking permission, but they would inform us,” he had said.

On Friday, however, the former president was among the dignitaries present at the Presidential Villa as First Lady Oluremi Tinubu hosted the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, with the theme “Emmanuel: God With Us.” President Bola Tinubu was absent from the event.

According to a statement from the First Lady’s media office, Obasanjo delivered the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15-18, highlighting God’s covenant of blessing through obedience.

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who was also in attendance, read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8-12, which recounts humanity’s early encounter with divine accountability.

The First Lady read the Ninth Lesson from John 1:1-14, affirming the Word made flesh dwelling among humankind, after which the congregation rose to sing the hymn O Come, All Ye Faithful.

The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is an annual Christian observance held during the Christmas season.