Obasanjo Joins Tinubu at Ogun Airport for Inauguration

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was present with President Bola Tinubu for the official inauguration of the Gateway International Cargo Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, on Saturday.

This appearance marks the fourth occasion that these two political figures have been seen together, both within Nigeria and internationally, following the conclusion of the 2023 presidential election.

Obasanjo and Tinubu have a well-documented history as political adversaries, a rivalry that dates back to Obasanjo's tenure as President and Tinubu's time as the Governor of Lagos State.

Leading up to the 2023 general elections, Tinubu had set aside their political differences to seek Obasanjo's counsel at his residence in Abeokuta regarding his presidential aspirations.

Despite the consultation, Obasanjo ultimately did not endorse Tinubu, instead declaring his support for Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who eventually secured third place in the election.

Since Tinubu's government took office, Obasanjo has been a vocal critic, describing it as potentially matching the Muhammadu Buhari administration in terms of inefficiency.

These remarks were featured in one of Obasanjo's recent books, titled “Nigeria: Past and Future.”

The book, launched in March 2025 to commemorate his 88th birthday, included two publications.

In the initial chapter, titled ‘From the Beginning till Now: The Missing Key,’ Obasanjo assessed Nigerian leaders since independence and concluded that the Buhari administration represented the worst civilian administration in the nation's history.

He further commented, “Only Bola Tinubu’s administration seems to be competing with Buhari’s for now.”

In November 2024, Obasanjo also stated that Nigeria's deteriorating condition under President Tinubu's leadership was "confirmed and glaringly indicated and manifested for every honest person to see."

He referred to Tinubu using the nicknames "Baba-go-slow and Emilokan."

According to a statement released by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo made these assertions while delivering the keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

His address, titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” detailed, “Nigeria’s situation: As we can see and understand, Nigeria’s situation is bad. The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment.

“That’s the situation mostly in Nigeria in the reign of Baba-go-slow and Emilokan. The failing state status of Nigeria is confirmed and glaringly indicated and manifested for every honest person to see through the consequences of the level of our pervasive corruption, mediocrity, immorality, misconduct, mismanagement, perversion, injustice, incompetence, and all other forms of iniquity. But yes, there is hope.”

Obasanjo and Tinubu's Public Appearances

Public encounters between the two leaders at official events have been infrequent since Tinubu assumed the presidency in 2023.

In January 2024, Tinubu and Obasanjo were both in attendance at the inauguration ceremony for the second term of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.

The event took place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, the capital city of Imo State.

Governor Uzodinma had extended invitations to both Tinubu and Obasanjo for the ceremony.

During the event, the two leaders were observed exchanging greetings and shaking hands.

This meeting in Owerri marked the first time Tinubu and Obasanjo had met since the 2023 general elections.

Internationally, Tinubu and Obasanjo crossed paths in June 2024 at the venue for the swearing-in ceremony of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, following his re-election.

A video circulating on social media captured the moment Tinubu entered the venue shortly after Obasanjo arrived in Pretoria, South Africa.

Additionally, in January 2025, Tinubu met with Obasanjo and former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan during the inauguration ceremony for Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, held at Black Star Square in Accra.

During his address at the Ghanaian event, Tinubu commended the nation’s democratic progress and urged critics to cease doubting Africa's capacity for successful democratic governance.

Tinubu Shows Respect to Obasanjo in Ogun

On Saturday, Obasanjo and Tinubu reconvened at the Gateway International Cargo Airport in Iperu, Ogun State.

One video clip that gained traction online showed Tinubu bowing to show respect to Obasanjo and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, as the elder statesmen joined other Ogun leaders to welcome the President upon his arrival at the airport.

The footage clearly depicted Tinubu greeting Obasanjo and Osoba with a bow as he exchanged pleasantries.

At the event, Obasanjo was seen wearing attire themed around Tinubu, made from Adire fabric, which subsequently sparked discussions on social media.

During his speech, Tinubu expressed gratitude to Obasanjo for his "commitment to good governance."

He stated, “Baba Obasanjo, thank you for this freedom and democracy, and your commitment to good governance.”

Obasanjo Appreciates Tinubu for Honoring Ogun Indigenes

Earlier in his remarks, Obasanjo extended thanks to the President for accepting the invitation to inaugurate the new airport.

Obasanjo recounted, “When the Governor (referring to Dapo Abiodun) informed me of your arrival time, my schedule was open. However, the Governor then added that I would be expected to give a speech. I inquired about my capacity to do so, and he replied, 'in the capacity that you are a citizen of Ogun State.' I found myself unable to dispute that."

“Therefore, Mr. President, I am here to welcome you on behalf of all citizens of Ogun State and to express my gratitude for the honor bestowed upon us. You have not only given us honor but also made a significant sacrifice. This falls within the Christian calendar, marking Holy Weekend.

“While others will be observing and celebrating Easter, you have dedicated this day to join us and, in fact, celebrate this occasion with us, which represents a very important milestone in the history of Ogun State.”