President Bola Tinubu today shared a light-hearted moment with the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi and the former Governor of the Land of Honour and Integrity (Ekiti State), Kayode Fayemi during a religious event held in Rome.
The exchange of greetings as revealed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, took place during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV, where the three Nigerian political figures were in attendance.
According to Onanuga, Fayemi spotted President Tinubu seated among other international dignitaries and urged Obi to join him in greeting the Nigerian President.
Breaking the initial silence, Onanuga reported that Fayemi remarked with a smile, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honoring the Pope with your presence.”
President Tinubu in his response said “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.”
“Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation,” Obi added.
Both Obi and Fayemi are known for their deep ties to the Catholic Church and hold the distinguished title of Papal Knights. The moment of camaraderie was noted by many at the event as a refreshing instance of mutual respect among Nigerian leaders.