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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, had a brief meeting during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Rome, on Sunday.
The encounter gained traction on social media after being shared by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga on X, occurring amidst a religious ceremony that attracted dignitaries globally.
Onanuga noted that Fayemi spotted Tinubu among other world leaders and encouraged Obi to accompany him in greeting the Nigerian President.
“Fayemi noticed President Tinubu seated with other leaders and invited Obi to join him in paying respects to the Nigerian leader. Obi consented,” he shared.
When they approached the President, Fayemi lightened the mood by joking, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honoring the Pope with your presence.”
Tinubu replied humorously, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m leading the Nigerian delegation.” His witty comment reportedly elicited laughter from Obi, who agreed, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
This interaction was notable for its symbolic resonance, especially following the intensely contested 2023 presidential elections, where Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress was declared the winner over Obi, the LP candidate. Both Fayemi and Obi are recognized as devout Catholics and Papal Knights, an esteemed title granted by the Vatican to notable members of the Catholic Church.
