Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja for the first time since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office.
Obasanjo, a known critic of the current administration, had largely stayed away from Aso Rock, even declining invitations to major events such as meetings of the Council of State.
His visit came amid lingering diplomatic tension following comments he previously made during a period of strained relations between the Nigerian government and the administration of former U.S President Donald Trump.
At the time, Obasanjo appeared to criticise the Tinubu administration, recalling that during his tenure, the United States would always inform Nigeria before taking major actions in Africa.
He made the remarks after Trump warned that the U.S could deploy troops to Nigeria if the Federal Government failed to halt what he described as the killing of Christians.
On Friday, Obasanjo was among dignitaries who attended the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at the Presidential Villa, hosted by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the theme “Emmanuel: God With Us.”
President Tinubu was notably absent from the event.
During the service, Obasanjo read the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15–18, highlighting God’s covenant of blessing through obedience.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8–12, which reflects humanity’s first encounter with divine accountability.
The First Lady read the Ninth Lesson from John 1:1–14, affirming the message of the Word made flesh.
The service concluded with the congregation rising to sing the hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is an annual Christian event held during the Christmas season to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
