President Bola Tinubu, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, had a notable moment of interaction during a religious gathering at the Vatican on Sunday.
The three Nigerian political figures were seen exchanging greetings during the official mass for the installation of Pope Leo XIV. The ceremony drew dignitaries from various nations, with leaders from different continents present to witness the historic occasion in Rome.
According to a post shared by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga on X (formerly Twitter), it was Fayemi who first noticed President Tinubu among a group of global leaders. Onanuga noted that Fayemi approached Obi and encouraged him to join in greeting the President. Obi agreed and followed him.
“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.
When they reached Tinubu, Fayemi made a joking comment to lighten the moment. He said, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
Tinubu responded with his own playful remark, saying, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the head of the Nigerian delegation.”
The comment reportedly brought smiles and laughter from the others. Obi replied in the same cheerful tone: “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
The brief conversation caught public attention online, especially due to the history between Tinubu and Obi, who ran against each other in the 2023 presidential election. Despite their political rivalry, the friendly tone of the Vatican exchange was notable.
The meeting also carried a strong religious angle. Both Obi and Fayemi are practicing Catholics and have been honoured as Papal Knights by the Vatican, a title awarded to lay members for their contributions to the church.
