By Abiola Olawale
In a rare display of camaraderie, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi shared a jovial moment at the Vatican during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.
The President and the two eminent personalities met during the solemn installation mass, which attracted an estimated 200,000 pilgrims and leaders from across the globe.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the encounter was marked by lighthearted banter.
The statement revealed that Fayemi, spotting Tinubu among the dignitaries, greeted him warmly, saying, “Mr President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
Tinubu responded, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.”
Obi, in response agreed with Tinubu, saying, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.” The exchange, filled with laughter, highlighted a moment of national unity on a global stage.
The New Diplomat reports that this happened in Rome as Tinubu was out of the country to attend Pope Leo’s inauguration as the 267th pontiff.
