Details Of What Tinubu Told Peter Obi, Fayemi at Pope’s inauguration Emerge

• President Bola Tinubu spoke with the 2023 Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, and former Ekiti state governor Kayode Fayemi at Pope Leo's inauguration
• Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser of Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, shared details of what the Nigerian leader told Obi and Fayemi
• The Nigerian President joined other world leaders at the solemn mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo after the death of Pope Francis

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

Vatican City, Italy - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and former Ekiti state governor Kayode Fayemi at Pope Leo XIV's installation mass at the Vatican City in Rome.

Legit.ng recalls that Pope Leo invited Tinubu to honour his first mass as head of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Tinubu arrived in Rome to attend the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV on May 18, marking a significant global religious event.

The Nigerian leader was warmly received at Mario De Bernardo Military Airport by Nigerian and Vatican officials, highlighting diplomatic ties.

President Tinubu’s delegation includes Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, and Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri.

Former Anambra state governor, Obi and Fayemi attended the event as staunch Catholics and Papal knights. They approached President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders, to follow him to pay homage.

According to presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, it was Fayemi who suggested they meet with Tinubu. He shared details on what happened among them, stating that the former Ekiti Governor broke the ice.

The president's aide stated that their conversation went as follows:

"[Fayemi 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, saying: 'Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation'.

Tinubu exchanges pleasantries with Pope Leo

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican City, Italy.

Tinubu exchanged pleasantries with Pope Leo at the official installation ceremony of the new pontiff on Sunday, May 18, 2025

Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the video of President Tinubu shaking hands with the pontiff.

Political rivals show brotherhood abroad - Analyst

Reacting to the friendly exchange between President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, and Kayode Fayemi, Barrister Miracle Anyakweh Amadi, a public affairs analyst, told Legit.ng that the moment was more than just a joke.

Pointing out the importance of the interaction happening outside Nigeria, he emphasised that it took place on foreign soil.

Amadi explained that despite political rivalry at home, Nigerian leaders can still show unity abroad:

“We could be enemies here at home, but when we go outside the country, we relate well, see ourselves as brothers, as friends."

He noted that political differences fade in such contexts:

“For me, it's just the Nigerian factor, the brotherhood, and all. It's not a show."

Reno Omokri reacts

Also commenting on the development, former presidential aide Reno Omokri said the Pope passed a message to Obi by inviting President Tinubu to his inauguration.

"Poor Peter! Pope Leo XIV passed a very important message to Mr. Obi: You may be a Roman Catholic, but as far as Nigeria is concerned, the man that the Vatican will reckon with is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, " Omokro posted on X.

Tinubu speaks ahead of Pope Leo XIV's inauguration

Legit.ng also reported that President Tinubu joined world leaders at the mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

It was previously reported that the new Pope’s installation mass would take place on May 18, 2025, as the church turned its attention to its new leader after the death of Pope Francis on April 21.

In Rome, Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s deep appreciation for the Vatican’s longstanding goodwill and affirmed the country's commitment to promoting interfaith cooperation, dialogue, and tolerance.

Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a public affairs analyst for this report.

Head of politics and current affairs desk, Nurudeen Lawal, contributed former presidential aide, Reno Omokri's response to this report.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng