Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday made an unexpected appearance at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marking his first visit to Aso Rock since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May. The visit attracted public attention, given Obasanjo’s long absence from the seat of power and his outspoken criticism of the current administration.
Since the change of government, Obasanjo has largely kept his distance from official state functions held at the Villa. Notably, he has declined to attend several high-profile gatherings, including meetings of the Council of State, even when formally invited. His absence has often been interpreted as a reflection of his disapproval of the direction of the Tinubu-led government.
The timing of Obasanjo’s visit is also significant, coming amid recent diplomatic controversies involving Nigeria and the United States. The Tinubu administration has faced international scrutiny following remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly threatened the deployment of American troops to Nigeria over allegations of religious persecution against Christians. While Obasanjo did not directly address Trump’s comments, he had earlier expressed concern about Nigeria’s declining global influence under the current leadership.
At a previous public engagement, the former president drew comparisons between Nigeria’s past and present standing on the international stage. He recalled that during his tenure, major foreign powers such as the United States maintained close diplomatic communication with Nigeria on African affairs. According to Obasanjo, Washington would routinely inform Nigeria of its intentions on the continent, a gesture he said reflected the country’s respected status at the time. He cited the era of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter as one marked by mutual respect and strong diplomatic ties.
Despite his critical stance, Obasanjo was among the distinguished guests at the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols hosted by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House. His participation underscored the non-political and spiritual nature of the occasion.
A statement from the Office of the First Lady revealed that Obasanjo delivered the Second Lesson, taken from Genesis 22:15–18, which speaks about divine blessings that follow obedience. Also in attendance was former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8–12, a passage reflecting humanity’s first encounter with accountability before God.
The First Lady concluded the scripture readings by delivering the Ninth Lesson from John 1:1–14, proclaiming the Christian message of the Word made flesh and dwelling among mankind. The service was enriched with traditional hymns and biblical readings associated with the Christmas season, culminating in a rousing rendition of O Come, All Ye Faithful by the congregation.
The annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is a long-standing tradition at the State House, bringing together government officials, religious leaders, and invited guests. It serves as a moment of reflection, unity, and spiritual renewal during the Christmas season, transcending political differences in favor of shared faith and national harmony.
0 Comments