President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi came together in an unexpected but cordial encounter during Pope Leo XIV’s installation mass held in Rome on Sunday.
The meeting, which unfolded at the Vatican, brought together three prominent Nigerian political figures, underscoring a rare display of unity and mutual respect amid Nigeria’s often polarized political landscape.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, who shared the moment via his verified X account (formerly Twitter), Fayemi spotted President Tinubu seated among other dignitaries and invited Obi to accompany him in greeting the Nigerian leader.
Fayemi, himself a devout Catholic and Papal knight, lightened the moment by saying, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
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President Tinubu, known for his quick wit, replied, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.”
The humorous remark reportedly drew laughter from Obi, who responded in agreement, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
Obi and Fayemi, both prominent Catholic figures, attended the mass not only as devout believers but also as distinguished guests of the global Catholic community.
The brief interaction highlighted a rare moment of camaraderie among political rivals, even as they set aside partisan differences in deference to their shared faith and the solemnity of the Vatican event.