President Bola Tinubu and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi set aside political differences for a cordial meeting during Pope Leo XIV’s installation mass in Rome on Sunday.
The two Nigerian leaders, along with former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, engaged in a humorous exchange that highlighted the historic religious occasion.
Tinubu, officially invited as Nigeria’s head of state, arrived in Rome on Saturday evening. His delegation included prominent Catholic clergy: Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto. Obi, a devout Catholic and papal knight, attended the ceremony in his personal capacity.
The encounter was recounted by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, through a social media post. According to Onanuga, Fayemi initiated the interaction after spotting President Tinubu seated among world leaders.
“Fayemi sighted President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders and asked Obi to follow him to pay homage to the Nigerian leader. Obi agreed,” Onanuga wrote.
The exchange began when Fayemi humorously addressed Tinubu: “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.” Tinubu, known for his quick wit, responded: “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.”
This remark reportedly amused Obi, who playfully conceded: “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.” Onanuga noted that both Obi and Fayemi are staunch Catholics and papal knights, adding context to their presence at the historic Vatican event.
