Tinubu, Obi, and Fayemi Share Moment at Pope Leo XIV's Inauguration

President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate from the 2023 elections, joined global leaders at the Vatican yesterday for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome.

Despite their differing political and religious backgrounds, the Nigerian leaders shared a moment of unity during the ceremony. The Presidency reiterated Tinubu's commitment to religious and national harmony. Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Obi and Fayemi, both Papal knights, reflected on their shared experience, having also attended Pope Francis’s inauguration in 2013.

Obi conveyed on his X platform, “It was a deeply spiritual moment. Dr. Fayemi and I stood beneath the dome, recalling our time as governors and now as fellow believers, witnessing another sacred transition in the Catholic Church.” Obi, who has maintained ties with the Vatican through his involvement with Scholas Occurrentes, described the event as a call to action.

He shared Pope Leo XIV’s message, which urged world leaders to support the poor and marginalized, emphasizing that “true faith is expressed through action.”

“The Holy Father reminded us that our greatest service is to restore dignity to the vulnerable,” Obi stated. “It is a call I take seriously.” He also engaged in cordial conversation with President Tinubu, hoping the spirit of unity would translate to compassionate leadership in Nigeria.

“I prayed for our nation and renewed my commitment to building a Nigeria where every child has access to quality education, healthcare and opportunity,” Obi added. “We must invest in our people. That is the only path to a truly prosperous and inclusive nation.” Fayemi facilitated an introduction between Obi and Tinubu. Upon their meeting, Fayemi said, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honoring 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 concurred, saying, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”

Presidential Special Adviser Sunday Dare, via X, emphasized Tinubu’s impartiality towards all faiths. “President Tinubu leads a multi-religious nation and remains unbiased against any. His creed: though tribe, tongue and religion may differ, in nationhood we stand united,” Dare wrote.

He stated that Tinubu’s presence at the Vatican, alongside Nigerian clergymen, demonstrated his inclusive leadership. Tinubu also exchanged greetings with Pope Leo XIV, symbolizing goodwill between Nigeria and the Vatican.