Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has revealed that he played a key role in encouraging Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to approach President Bola Tinubu for a handshake during a papal inauguration event at the Vatican City in May 2025.
Fayemi made the disclosure during an interview on Edmund Obilo’s YouTube channel, explaining that Obi initially hesitated due to concerns that the gesture could be misinterpreted or politicised in the media.
The encounter, which took place during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, first became public after presidential aide Bayo Onanuga posted photographs of the moment on social media, showing Fayemi and Obi greeting President Tinubu.
According to Fayemi, both he and Obi attended the religious ceremony as Catholics and had shared breakfast with Cardinal Lazarus before proceeding to the venue, where they were seated a few rows behind the Nigerian president.
He explained that the moment of interaction began when Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu approached their delegation, creating an opening for a courtesy visit to the president.
Fayemi said he encouraged Obi to join him in greeting Tinubu, noting that despite political differences, it was appropriate to acknowledge the president as Nigeria’s leader at an international religious gathering.
He added that Obi was initially cautious, expressing concern that the handshake could be misused politically, but eventually agreed after further persuasion.
Fayemi described how both men walked up to President Tinubu and exced pleasantries, with Tinubu responding humorously and acknowledging his role as leader of the Nigerian delegation.
Peter Obi reportedly also addressed the president respectfully, referring to him as the nation’s leader while appreciating his presence at the Vatican ceremony.
The former governor said the exce was cordial and brief, with both parties later going their separate ways after the event.
The moment drew widespread public attention online, with mixed reactions from supporters of both political figures, reflecting ongoing political sensitivities following the 2023 general election.
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