A notable encounter took place at the Vatican in Rome on Sunday, where President Bola Tinubu met with Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Ekiti State Governor, at the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV. The meeting, which was shared by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga on social media, occurred during the ceremony attended by global dignitaries.
Fayemi spotted Tinubu seated with other leaders and invited Obi to join him in greeting the President. As they approached Tinubu, Fayemi made a lighthearted remark, saying, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.” Tinubu responded with humor, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the head of the Nigerian delegation.” Obi laughed and agreed, saying, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
The interaction held symbolic significance, given the intense rivalry between Tinubu and Obi during the 2023 presidential election. Fayemi and Obi, both devout Catholics and Papal Knights, demonstrated a sense of unity and respect in their brief meeting with the President.
