President Bola Tinubu on Sunday met with the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, during the installation service of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in Rome.
In a statement issued on Sunday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Dr Fayemi had spotted Mr Obi and invited him to accompany him to greet President Tinubu, to which the former Anambra governor agreed.
According to Onanuga, “Upon reaching the President, Dr Fayemi broke the ice between Mr Obi and President Tinubu. He said: ‘Mr President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.’”
President Tinubu, Mr Peter Obi, and Dr Kayode Fayemi met during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Sunday.
Sharing details on social media, Onanuga noted that President Tinubu was spotted by Dr Fayemi, who then facilitated the encounter.
He added, “President Tinubu, ever quick-witted, replied: ‘I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation’.”
Mr Obi reportedly responded by saying: “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
See photos below:
Pope Leo XIV, the first US pontiff, made his debut tour of St Peter’s Square in a popemobile, greeting tens of thousands of pilgrims and well-wishers before his inauguration mass.
Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, who became head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on May 8, stood in the white vehicle as it drove through cheering crowds, smiling, waving, and making the sign of the cross.
US Vice President JD Vance was among the hundreds of dignitaries who attended the inauguration mass that began at 10:00 am (0800 GMT).
Leo presided over the ceremony, rich in rites and symbols, where he received his special papal ring before giving a homily that will set the tone for his papacy