President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and former Ekiti state governor Kayode Fayemi at Pope Leo XIV's installation mass at the Vatican City in Rome.
Legit.ng recalls that Pope Leo invited Tinubu to honour his first mass as head of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Tinubu arrived in Rome to attend the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV on May 18, marking a significant global religious event.
The Nigerian leader was warmly received at Mario De Bernardo Military Airport by Nigerian and Vatican officials, highlighting diplomatic ties.
President Tinubu’s delegation includes Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, and Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri.
Former Anambra state governor, Obi and Fayemi attended the event as staunch Catholics and Papal knights. They approached President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders, to follow him to pay homage. According to presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, it was Fayemi who suggested they meet with Tinubu.
He shared details on what happened among them, stating that the former Ekiti Governor broke the ice. The president's aide stated that their conversation went as follows: "[Fayemi 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, saying: 'Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation'.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican City, Italy.
Tinubu exchanged pleasantries with Pope Leo at the official installation ceremony of the new pontiff on Sunday, May 18, 2025 Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the video of President Tinubu shaking hands with the pontiff.
A VATICAN STORY
— Temitope Ajayi (@TheTope_Ajayi) May 18, 2025
By Bayo Onanuga
President Bola Tinubu, Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate, and former Ekiti governor Kayode Fayemi met at Pope Leo XIV's installation mass on Sunday in Rome.
Fayemi sighted President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders… pic.twitter.com/jNgEzqEZPX
