VATICAN CITY — President Bola Tinubu and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi met on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in an unexpected but cordial encounter during the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City — a moment that underscored rare political civility among Nigeria’s top figures.
The interaction, described by eyewitnesses as respectful and lighthearted, occurred after former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi spotted President Tinubu seated among world leaders and invited Obi to join him in greeting the Nigerian leader.
“On getting to the President, Fayemi broke the ice between Obi and Tinubu,” said Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, in a post on X.
“He said: ‘Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.’”
President Tinubu reportedly replied with humour, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation,” prompting laughter from Obi, who agreed, saying, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
Both Obi and Fayemi are Papal knights and practising Catholics, known for their longstanding involvement in ecclesiastical engagements.
In his own post on X, Obi reflected on the spiritual significance of the occasion and his personal connection to the Vatican.
“Today, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and I stood once again beneath the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, evoking memories of our presence here as governors in 2013 for the inauguration of Pope Francis – a deeply significant moment for the Church and the world,” Obi wrote.
He recalled his continued engagement with the Holy See, noting past roles in Nigeria’s official delegations to canonisation ceremonies and involvement with Scholas Occurrentes, a global initiative launched by Pope Francis to promote education, intercultural dialogue, and peace.
Obi said he exchanged warm greetings with Tinubu and welcomed the “diverse gathering of world leaders and pilgrims who came in faith and unity.”
Reflecting on the new pope’s homily, Obi highlighted what he described as “a profoundly moving” call for social justice.
“He spoke with a clarity that pierced the heart: that the true measure of our love for God lies not in grand declarations, but in the quiet, persistent acts of compassion that uplift the vulnerable and restore dignity to the marginalised,” he said.
Calling for Nigeria’s leadership to embrace the pope’s message, Obi added that he offered “earnest prayers to God for our nation” and reaffirmed his commitment to championing policies that address poverty, education, and healthcare.
