President Bola Tinubu on Sunday reminded Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, that he is the head of Nigeria’s delegation to the Vatican during the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV.
According to a statement from Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the interaction took place in Rome where Tinubu, Obi, and former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi were all in attendance.
The statement recounts that Fayemi noticed President Tinubu seated among global dignitaries and suggested to Obi that they greet the Nigerian leader. Obi agreed and followed him.
As they approached, Fayemi reportedly said:
“Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
President Tinubu responded with a smile:
“I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.”
To this, Peter Obi respectfully replied:
“Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
The statement further noted that both Obi and Fayemi are devout Catholics and recipients of the Papal Knighthood.