President Bola Tinubu met with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State, during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in Rome on Sunday.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, shared on X that “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 described the interaction: “On getting to the President, Fayemi broke the ice between Obi and Tinubu. He said: ‘Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.’ President Tinubu, ever quick-witted, responded, ‘I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.’ The President’s response cracked up Obi, who agreed with the President.”
Obi then said, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
Obi also confirmed the meeting on X, saying, “Today, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and I stood once again beneath the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, evoking memories of our presence here as governors in 2013 for the inauguration of Pope Francis — a deeply significant moment for the Church and the world.”
He added, “Over the years, I have returned to this sacred place on several occasions, including as part of Nigeria’s official delegation to the canonisations of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Through my involvement with Scholas Occurrentes, the global initiative founded by Pope Francis, I have also participated in various efforts promoting education, peace, and intercultural dialogue.”
“Today’s event was particularly special, as it marked the beginning of a new papacy. I exchanged warm greetings with President Bola Tinubu and was pleased to see the diverse gathering of world leaders and pilgrims who came in faith and unity,” Obi concluded.
Both Fayemi and Obi are “staunch Catholics and Papal knights,” a distinction conferred by the Vatican.
