Tinubu Meets Obi In Rome, Share Light Moments at Pope’s Installation Mass Obi: Mr. President, welcome to our church…. Tinubu: I should be the one welcoming you, Peter
By Omowumi Omotosho
President Bola Tinubu, Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023 Nigerian general elections, Peter Obi, and former Governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi met briefly in Rome on Sunday at the Vatican during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV.
The high-profile event, which drew dignitaries from across the globe, also saw a rare and cordial interaction between key Nigerian political figures. According to Bayo Onanuga,the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, in a post made on his social media platforms, the meeting unfolded when Fayemi, upon noticing Tinubu seated among other world leaders, approached Peter Obi and encouraged him to join in paying respects to the Nigerian leader.
“Fayemi sighted President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders and asked Obi to follow him to pay homage to the Nigerian leader. Obi agreed,” Onanuga disclosed.
Onanuga stated that the moment was marked by good-natured humor and mutual respect.
“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,” Onanuga wrote.
