President Bola Tinubu, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi met and exchanged pleasantries on Sunday during the installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in Rome.
The unexpected encounter occurred during the high-profile ceremony attended by global leaders and dignitaries.
READ ALSO: Tinubu arrives in Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration
Fayemi, upon spotting Tinubu seated among other world leaders, invited Obi to join him in paying respects to the Nigerian leader. Obi obliged.
On getting to the President, Fayemi broke the ice between Obi and Tinubu, saying, “Mr President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
Tinubu, known for his sharp wit, replied humorously, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.”
The President’s remark reportedly amused Obi, who smiled and responded, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
READ ALSO: Pope Leo XIV inaugurated at St Peter’s Basilica as 10,000 gather.
Obi and Fayemi, both devout Catholics and Papal Knights, were in attendance as part of the Nigerian contingent to the Vatican.
The light-hearted exchange between the political figures highlighted a moment of unity amid Nigeria’s often tense political climate.
