Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday made a rare appearance at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking his first visit to Aso Rock since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
Obasanjo, who has been a open critic of the current administration, has largely kept his distance from the seat of power and reportedly declined invitations to high-level engagements, including meetings of the Council of State.
His visit comes against the backdrop of past public remarks that were widely interpreted as veiled criticism of President Tinubu’s handling of foreign relations, particularly during a period of diplomatic tension involving the United States.
At the time, Obasanjo recalled Nigeria’s past influence on the continent, saying the country once occupied a position of unquestioned leadership in Africa.
Reflecting on that era, he noted that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter routinely kept Nigeria informed of major American decisions affecting Africa.
“They were not seeking permission, but they would inform us,” he had said.
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On Friday, however, the former president joined other dignitaries at the Presidential Villa for a non-political event—the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols hosted by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The event, themed “Emmanuel: God With Us,” brought together prominent national figures for a Christmas celebration centred on scripture and worship.
According to a statement from the First Lady’s media office, Obasanjo read the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15–18, which focused on God’s covenant of blessing tied to obedience.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, was also in attendance and delivered the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8–12, highlighting humanity’s early encounter with divine accountability.
The First Lady read the Ninth Lesson from John 1:1–14, affirming the message of the Word made flesh dwelling among humanity. The service concluded with the congregation standing to sing the hymn, O Come, All Ye Faithful.
The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is an annual Christian tradition observed during the Christmas season to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ through scripture readings and hymns.
