The former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has revealed how he persuaded Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to approach President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a handshake at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City.

Fayemi disclosed in an interview on Edmund Obilo’s YouTube channel, saying Obi initially hesitated over concerns that the encounter could be misrepresented in the media.

According to him, both he and Obi attended the papal inauguration as Catholics and were seated a few rows behind the Nigerian President during the ceremony.

He explained that the moment came after the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, approached them from the presidential delegation to exchange pleasantries.

Fayemi said he then encouraged Obi to follow him to greet the President, stressing that Tinubu was representing Nigeria at the event.

“Peter, please let us go,” he recalled telling Obi, noting that the former Anambra governor was initially worried about possible political misinterpretation.

He added that Obi eventually agreed, and both men walked up to greet the President.

Fayemi said Tinubu responded warmly, joking that he should be the one welcoming them as the leader of the Nigerian delegation.

Obi, according to Fayemi, acknowledged Tinubu as the country’s leader and expressed appreciation for his presence at the Vatican ceremony.

The former governor said the exchange was cordial and brief, ending with the leaders going their separate ways after the event.