At Pope Leo XIV’s installation mass in Rome on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu met with former Ekiti State leader Kayode Fayemi and Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
Tinubu’s special adviser on communications and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, wrote on X that Fayemi saw the president sitting with other leaders and requested Obi to join him in order to “pay homage” to Tinubu.
“Obi and Tinubu were introduced by Fayemi upon arriving at the President. “Mr. President, thank you for honoring the Pope with your presence, and welcome to our church,” he said. As always quick-witted, President Tinubu replied, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter.” The Nigerian Delegation is led by myself. Obi, who agreed with the President, was appalled by the President’s response, Onanuga stated.
“Yes, absolutely,” Obi replied. We belong to your delegation.
“Fayemi and Peter Obi are papal knights and devout Catholics.”
Obi wrote on X that he was happy to witness the diverse group of pilgrims and world leaders who came in faith and solidarity, and that he had greeted Tinubu warmly.
“Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and I stood under the magnificent dome of St. Peter’s Basilica today for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, recalling our presence here as governors for the inauguration of Pope Francis in 2013 – a momentous occasion for the Church and the world,” Obi wrote.
I have made multiple trips back to this hallowed location throughout the years, including as a member of Nigeria’s official delegation to Mother Teresa’s and Pope John Paul II’s canonizations. I have also taken part in a number of initiatives that support education, peace, and cross-cultural communication through my work with Scholas Occurrentes, the international organization that Pope Francis founded.
Because it was the start of a new pontificate, today’s ceremony was very noteworthy. President Bola Tinubu and I exchanged cordial pleasantries, and I was happy to meet the broad group of pilgrims and world leaders who came together in unity and faith.
The Holy Father’s incredibly poignant homily was what most impressed me, particularly his sincere call for us to travel with him toward God by embracing the forgotten, the impoverished, and the afflicted. He said with a heart-stopping clarity that the real test of our love for God is not loud pronouncements but rather small, consistent deeds of kindness that provide dignity to the downtrodden and support the weak.
“May our leaders accept this strong demand to address poverty. Since a well-educated populace is the cornerstone upon which a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation must be built, I sincerely prayed to God for our country and reaffirmed my commitment to supporting bold and sustained investment in the vital sectors, particularly education, healthcare delivery, and lifting people out of poverty.
Also Read:
Mercy Johnson Talks About Her Lifelong Medication And Cancer Scare.
