President Bola Tinubu, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi had a brief but notable interaction at the Vatican on Sunday during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV.
The moment, which sparked social media reactions after it was shared by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, occurred during the high-profile religious event attended by global dignitaries.
According to Onanuga’s post on X, Fayemi first noticed Tinubu seated among other international leaders and encouraged Obi to accompany him in greeting the Nigerian President.
“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,” he wrote.
As they approached, Fayemi made a friendly remark to lighten the moment, saying, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
In response, Tinubu offered a playful comeback: “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the head of the Nigerian delegation.”
Obi joined in the exchange with a chuckle, replying, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
The scene carried symbolic weight given the intense rivalry between Tinubu and Obi during Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, which ended in Tinubu’s victory under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Both Obi and Fayemi are devout Catholics and hold the distinction of being Papal Knights, an honour awarded by the Vatican to members recognized for their service to the Church.
