The high-profile Vatican ceremony was attended by global leaders and dignitaries. However, the event saw an unexpected and cordial interaction among the three Nigerian politicians.

In a moment that momentarily bridged Nigeria’s deep political divides, former Ekiti State governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi orchestrated a warm exchange between President Bola Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Sunday.

The high-profile Vatican ceremony was attended by global leaders and dignitaries. However, the event saw an unexpected and cordial interaction among the three Nigerian politicians.

According to presidential aide Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Fayemi, a devout Catholic and Papal Knight, spotted President Tinubu seated with other world leaders and encouraged Obi, also a staunch Catholic and Papal Knight, to accompany him to greet the Nigerian leader.

“Fayemi sighted President Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders and asked Obi to follow him to pay homage to the Nigerian leader. Obi agreed,” Onanuga said in a statement on Sunday.

Onanuga added that upon reaching the President, Fayemi “broke the ice between Obi and Tinubu”.

“Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence,” he was quoted as saying. 

Onanuga went on to recount additional details from the exchange, stating, “’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. 

“Obi said: ‘Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.’”

Tinubu and Obi were opponents in the 2023 presidential election, which Tinubu won. Since then, Obi has remained a vocal critic of Tinubu’s administration, often prompting sharp responses from the presidency.

Their interaction in Rome has sparked mixed reactions among their respective supporters.

For instance, De’Otunba GCFRN 1 (de_generalnoni) wrote, “This man is petty Which kind write up be diz???”

Similarly, InTolerant (@Owerri1stSon) wrote, “Unah done start with unah Nonsense. If Peter Oni decided to snob the Thiefnubu , na unah go still cry. Now he grudgingly agreed to meet with Thiefnubu with abeg, unah done they spin narrative.”

Yaya Oseni (@YayaOseni) wrote, “Good to see president allowed Peter Obi to greet him. Politics of bitterness should have no room in our country.  All hands have to be on deck to build a great nation.”

“Peace and Unity build a great nation,” Oseni added.

Pope Leo XIV was formally inaugurated on Sunday, marking the beginning of his papacy with a powerful call for global unity, an end to violence, and the rejection of marginalisation.

The solemn ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Square, drew tens of thousands of attendees, including numerous world leaders. A delegation led by President Tinubu represented Nigeria.

During the Mass of Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry, Pope Leo XIV urged the Church to walk together in God’s love and remain united as one family, setting a tone of inclusivity and compassion for his pontificate.

Pope Leo XIV expressed deep gratitude for the heartfelt prayers and joyous support extended to him as he embarks on his pastoral ministry. He reflected on the profound emotions he has experienced over the past few weeks.