Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has disclosed that he encouraged Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to greet President Bola Tinubu during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at Vatican City last May.
In an interview on Edmund Obilo’s YouTube channel uploaded Thursday, Fayemi explained that Obi initially hesitated, concerned the handshake might be misrepresented in the media.
The encounter first went public on 18 May 2025, when presidential aide Bayo Onanuga shared photos of the trio on X. Onanuga noted that Fayemi spotted Tinubu among world leaders and suggested that Obi join him in greeting the president.
Fayemi’s account aligns with Onanuga’s version but adds that Obi needed persuasion due to media concerns. He also revealed the pair had attended the papal inauguration as Catholics, sharing breakfast with Cardinal Lazarus that morning before the ceremony, where they were seated four rows behind the president.
“The current minister of foreign affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, came to say hello to us. I felt, our president is here regardless of our politics. Peter, please let us go,” Fayemi said.
Obi initially feared the handshake could be politicized, but Fayemi reassured him, emphasizing respect for Tinubu’s presence and the shared Catholic faith. Eventually, Obi agreed, and they approached the president together.
Fayemi recalled Tinubu’s response: “The president is quick-witted. He immediately said, ‘Kayode, what are you saying? I should be the one welcoming you because I am the leader of the Nigerian delegation.’” Obi responded respectfully, acknowledging Tinubu’s position.
The brief handshake ended amicably, with Tinubu continuing his Vatican visit. Fayemi and Obi, both devout Catholics and Papal Knights, had previously attended Pope Francis’ inauguration in 2013 as sitting governors.
Tinubu, a Muslim, told reporters his attendance reflected Nigeria’s unity in diversity, urging that diversity should be used for prosperity rather than adversity.
Reactions to the photos on X varied, with supporters praising the cordial exchange while others recalled the tensions of the 2023 election.
