In a rare moment of unity on foreign soil, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi shared a warm and symbolic exchange at the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday in Rome.
Tinubu and Obi often seen on opposing sides of Nigeria’s political divide, met inside St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican during the historic installation ceremony of the new Pope, who ascends to lead over a billion Catholics worldwide. The event brought together global leaders, religious figures, and dignitaries from across continents — and Nigeria was prominently represented.
Unexpected Bonding in Rome
According to a statement from , the moment unfolded as Fayemi, a devout Catholic and Papal knight, noticed President Tinubu seated among world leaders and decided to pay his respects. He beckoned to Peter Obi, also a practicing Catholic and Papal knight, to accompany him in greeting the Nigerian President.
Obi, known for his reserved political stance, agreed. As the duo approached Tinubu, Fayemi jokingly broke the ice by saying:
“Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
President Tinubu, known for his quick wit, responded cheerfully:
“I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.”
The exchange drew laughter, with Obi agreeing, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
Observers at the Vatican described the moment as refreshing and heartwarming, with many seeing it as a much-needed image of national togetherness in the face of Nigeria’s political and economic challenges.
Symbolism Beyond Politics
The convergence of Tinubu, a Muslim president; Obi, a Catholic opposition figure; and Fayemi, a prominent southern politician and also Catholic, holds deep symbolic meaning for many Nigerians.
In a country where ethno-religious divisions often shape political narratives, this meeting in Rome at the heart of the Catholic faith stood as a symbol of tolerance, unity, and the possibility of bridging differences — both political and religious.
The presence of President Tinubu at the Papal event was historic in itself. According to records and political commentators, he is the first sitting Nigerian President or Head of State to attend the inauguration mass of a Pope.
The invitation extended to Tinubu by the Vatican was delivered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State. It acknowledged Nigeria’s importance and President Tinubu’s role in global affairs at a time when the world is facing rising tensions, wars, and economic instability.
The new Pope, Leo XIV, in his invitation, had written:
“Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.”
Fani-Kayode Hails Tinubu’s Gesture
Reacting to the viral images and videos of the event, former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, described Tinubu’s presence and his warm handshake with the Pope as a landmark moment for Nigeria.
In a post shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Fani-Kayode wrote:
“This is the first time in our country’s history that a sitting President or Head of State has attended the inaugural mass of a new Pope.
“Surely, there can be no greater expression of religious tolerance, mutual respect and bridge-building than this. It is a warm gesture that we can all be proud of.”
He also noted the significance of a Muslim President openly engaging with the head of the Catholic Church in such a cordial manner, describing it as an example of leadership that promotes peace and coexistence.
Nigerians React
Reactions from Nigerians across social media platforms were mostly positive. Many praised the maturity displayed by Obi and Fayemi in acknowledging Tinubu’s leadership role at the event. Others saw the gesture as a glimpse of what Nigeria’s political elite could achieve if they focused more on collaboration than rivalry.
“This is the Nigeria we want to see,” one user posted on X. “Leaders coming together for something higher than politics.”
Some others viewed the exchange through a political lens, noting that Obi’s willingness to interact with Tinubu might reduce tension among their respective supporters back home, especially after the heated 2023 general elections which saw both men contesting for the presidency.
However, some critics remained skeptical, warning that symbolic gestures abroad must translate into real unity, economic progress, and political inclusion at home.
Religious and Diplomatic Importance
The Vatican visit also served as a platform for Nigeria to reaffirm its ties with the Catholic Church, which plays a significant role in the country’s education, healthcare, and humanitarian sectors.
With millions of Nigerian Catholics and dozens of Catholic institutions spread across the country, the Church remains a major force for peace and development.
Analysts believe that President Tinubu’s participation in the Vatican event sends a strong message of global engagement and may help strengthen bilateral ties with the Vatican and other Catholic-majority countries.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is home to a diverse religious population, with Christianity and Islam being the two dominant faiths. While the nation has experienced inter-religious tensions in the past, moments such as this help promote harmony and mutual respect among different religious communities.
