President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday, met with Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Gatekeepers News reports that Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy revealed this in a post on X.
Onanuga noted that Fayemi noticed Tinubu seated among other dignitaries and asked Obi to accompany him to greet the president.
He wrote, “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 said, ‘Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.’”
“Peter Obi and Fayemi are staunch Catholics and Papal knights.”
Peter Obi also posted on X, reflecting on the significance of the occasion. He shared that it reminded him of a similar moment in 2013 when he and Fayemi attended the installation of Pope Francis as Governors.
He wrote, “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.”
“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 Il 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.”
“What stood out most was the Holy Father’s profoundly moving homily – especially his heartfelt appeal for us to journey together towards God by embracing the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten. He spoke with a clarity that pierced the heart: that the true measure of our love for God lies not in grand declarations, but in the quiet, persistent acts of compassion that uplift the vulnerable and restore dignity to the marginalised.”
“May this clarion call to confront poverty be embraced by our leaders. For my part, I offered ernest prayers to God for our nation and also renewed my commitment to championing bold and sustained investment in the critical sectors – especially education, healthcare delivery, and pulling people out of poverty – believing that a well-educated population is the foundation upon which a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation must be built.”
