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What Was Said Between Tinubu, Obi, And Fayemi: A Diplomatic Encounter at the Vatican

When global events converge with national politics, the results are often illuminating, sometimes unexpected, and occasionally history-defining. This was the case on Sunday in Rome, where Nigerian political heavyweights—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Ekiti State governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi—found themselves in an unplanned but symbolic moment of unity at the installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV. Though far from Nigerian soil, the encounter drew attention back home, not for controversy, but for the rare camaraderie and respectful banter exchanged between these three influential figures.

The installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV drew heads of state, royal emissaries, religious leaders, and diplomatic representatives from across the globe. Among them were Nigeria’s most talked-about political figures, who found themselves temporarily distanced from the daily rigors of Nigerian politics and united by faith, culture, and national identity.

It was a day of religious solemnity and grandeur, with the ancient basilica of St. Peter’s echoing with the celestial harmony of choral music and incense wafting through the air. Pope Leo XIV, a pontiff known for his pastoral humility and commitment to interfaith dialogue, had specifically invited a wide-ranging delegation from Africa to reflect the growing Catholic population and influence of the continent in global Christianity.

President Bola Tinubu led Nigeria’s official delegation to the Vatican, a testament to the significance his administration placed on strengthening diplomatic and interfaith ties. But what stole the show was not merely Nigeria’s presence at the Mass—it was what transpired between Tinubu, Obi, and Fayemi.

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Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a seasoned politician, former governor, and intellectual force within the All Progressives Congress (APC), spotted President Tinubu seated in a prime section of the basilica alongside other heads of state. Next to him sat key members of his Vatican entourage. Fayemi, himself a devout Catholic and a Papal Knight of St. Gregory, saw an opportunity—not of politics, but of brotherhood.

Accompanied by Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and fellow Papal Knight, Fayemi approached President Tinubu with characteristic grace. Obi, known for his reserved but principled demeanor, obliged Fayemi’s request to pay homage to the Nigerian leader despite the charged political history between himself and Tinubu.

According to sources close to the Nigerian delegation, Fayemi initiated the exchange with a blend of warmth and protocol. Turning to Tinubu, he said, “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”

The statement was deliberate but charming, acknowledging both the shared Catholic heritage and the dignified presence of Nigeria’s leader at a major Christian global event.

President Tinubu, known for his sharp wit and ability to command a room even in foreign lands, responded in his usual style—half-humorous, half-assertive, but fully confident.

“I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation,” Tinubu replied, causing the mood around them to lighten considerably.

Peter Obi, never one to overplay a scene, broke into a laugh and responded graciously: “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”

The remark struck a rare chord of unity. For a brief moment, the politics that had divided them during the fiercely contested 2023 presidential elections melted away under the grandeur of St. Peter’s dome and the universal message of faith.

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Though the words exchanged were few, the symbolism was immense. Here were three of Nigeria’s most recognizable political actors—two of whom had squared off during the last election—demonstrating mutual respect in one of the world’s most sacred venues. The encounter, while informal, offered a snapshot of the possibilities of post-election healing and national cohesion.

Observers at the event noted how the trio exchanged pleasantries, smiled, and even shared a few words after the official Mass. While no official meeting was scheduled between them, the Vatican became an unlikely yet powerful backdrop for Nigerian reconciliation.

Diplomats and clerics within the Vatican expressed appreciation for the dignified conduct of the Nigerian leaders. According to one senior Vatican official, “Such encounters show the world that democracy and faith can produce moments of mutual respect, even among political rivals.”

News of the encounter quickly made its way back to Nigeria and the diaspora. Social media platforms, WhatsApp forums, and news outlets picked up the story, highlighting it as a moment of maturity in Nigerian politics.

“This is the kind of political comportment we want to see,” tweeted one user. “You can disagree over policies, but at the end of the day, Nigeria comes first.”

Catholic groups in Nigeria also reacted positively. The Knights of St. Mulumba and the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) issued statements commending all three men for representing the country honorably and exemplifying the values of the faith.

Among the Igbo community, where Peter Obi enjoys strong grassroots support, the act of respectfully acknowledging President Tinubu was praised as “Christ-like” and consistent with Obi’s well-known philosophy of humility and decorum.

Though the event was strictly religious, political analysts were quick to contextualize it within the ongoing power dynamics in Nigeria. Tinubu, now deep into his first term as President, is facing mounting economic challenges, security concerns, and increasing scrutiny over his economic reforms and fuel subsidy removal.

Peter Obi, on the other hand, remains a formidable opposition figure whose reputation for transparency and frugality continues to attract wide public support, especially among youth and middle-class Nigerians disillusioned by traditional politics.

Kayode Fayemi, respected across party lines for his intellectualism and diplomacy, has long been seen as a bridge-builder in Nigerian politics. His role in bringing Obi and Tinubu together, even momentarily, was seen as vintage Fayemi—quiet, strategic, and focused on the long game.

The encounter at the Vatican didn’t lead to any formal reconciliation or political alignment, but it did suggest a roadmap for civility and mutual respect among Nigeria’s political elite.

It’s not the first time religion has offered a platform for soft diplomacy in Nigeria. In a country deeply divided along ethnic and religious lines, interfaith and intrafaith engagements have often served as the last recourse for unity.

The shared Catholic identity of Obi and Fayemi, and Tinubu’s presence at such a major Catholic event, helped soften the often-adversarial narratives that dominate Nigerian politics.

In fact, Obi and Fayemi are both Papal Knights—a prestigious title conferred by the Vatican to individuals of exceptional service to the Church and humanity. Their presence alongside President Tinubu underscored the idea that public service, regardless of political alignment, can intersect with spiritual obligations.

Optimists are reading the Vatican moment as a potential pivot in Nigeria’s political climate. While it’s unrealistic to expect that a brief chat at a religious event would heal all divisions, symbolic acts often precede meaningful change.

“There’s power in gesture,” said Dr. Mary Nwankwo, a political sociologist. “What happened in Rome shows that despite electoral bitterness, these men can still converse respectfully. If they can build on that, Nigeria stands to gain.”

Indeed, political reconciliation has historical precedent. Nelson Mandela once met with apartheid leaders in jail. Barack Obama dined with Republican senators. In Nigeria’s own past, bitter rivals such as Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar, or Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo, often found moments to work together when the stakes were high.

The world may not have paused when Tinubu, Obi, and Fayemi exchanged greetings at the Vatican, but for many Nigerians, it meant something. It meant that even in the midst of political turbulence, civility is possible. That disagreements need not descend into permanent enmity. That faith can bridge even the widest divides.

The encounter won’t resolve Nigeria’s economic woes or bring instant unity to its fragmented polity. But it offers a glimpse—a window—into what a more mature, less toxic political atmosphere could look like. It was, in essence, a moment of grace in the heart of Rome that reverberated all the way to the streets of Lagos, Enugu, and Ado-Ekiti.

And in a nation yearning for healing, perhaps that moment was enough to inspire hope.

President Tinubu meets with Peter Obi, Fayemi at the Vatican President Bola Tinubu, Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential candidate, and former Ekiti governor Kayode Fayemi met at Pope Leo XIV’s installation mass on Sunday in Rome. 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. On getting to the President, Fayemi broke the ice between Obi and Tinubu. He said: “Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.” 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”. Peter Obi and Fayemi are staunch Catholics and Papal knights.

Bayo Onanuga