In a moment rich with symbolism, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo shared a warm and unexpected reunion during the commissioning of the Gateway International Cargo Airport in Ogun State.
The event, held in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, drew an array of dignitaries including governors, senators, and key political figures. However, it was the cordial interaction between Tinubu and Obasanjo—long perceived to have a strained relationship—that stole the spotlight.
Observers recall that Obasanjo had openly supported Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential elections, opposing Tinubu’s bid for office. This history made their public exchange all the more striking.
Clad in ceremonial attire adorned with the President’s signature broken-chain emblem, Obasanjo greeted Tinubu with a smile and a warm embrace. Tinubu, upon sighting the elder statesman, remarked, “Ah, Baba, I am loyal!” to which Obasanjo replied, “I am more loyal, my President.”
The former President then offered prayers for Tinubu, saying, “May your star continue to shine. May it never go dim,” a gesture that the President acknowledged with a resounding “Amen.”
Adding a touch of humor to the moment, former Ogun State governor Olusegun Osoba pointed at Obasanjo’s shoes and quipped, “I told you there are no old men in Egba. See Baba’s shoes,” drawing laughter from the gathering.
Beyond the symbolic reunion, Tinubu went on to commission the newly constructed cargo airport, inaugurate two commercial aircraft for Gateway Air—operated in partnership with Valuejet—and unveil the Federal Operations Unit facility of the Nigerian Customs Service, along with operational vehicles.
The encounter between Tinubu and Obasanjo has since sparked conversations across political circles, with many viewing it as a powerful reminder that in politics, no situation is truly permanent.