Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has stirred fresh political controversy following his reaction to a viral video showing Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, reportedly being denied entry to the VVIP section during the recent papal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City.
The viral video, which has sparked mixed reactions on social media, captures Obi in the company of respected Nigerian-born Cardinal Francis Arinze, speaking with Vatican security operatives. According to eyewitness accounts, Obi was stopped from accessing the restricted VVIP area due to what was alleged to be a missing or invalid invitation pass—raising questions about the event’s protocol and the status of the former Anambra State governor at the high-profile global ceremony.
In what quickly became a political talking point, Fani-Kayode, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and staunch ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle to publicly mock Obi. In a tone laced with sarcasm, Fani-Kayode wrote:
“Despite Cardinal Arinze’s noble efforts it appears that @PeterObi was not allowed in to see the Pope. He was beautifully bounced until @officialABAT [President Tinubu] put in a word for him and he was later allowed in to pay homage.”
Fani-Kayode further claimed that although Obi eventually gained access to the venue after alleged intervention by President Tinubu, he was “not allowed anywhere near the Pope” and instead “paid homage” to the Nigerian president, who was reportedly present and recognized as a top African dignitary during the papal installation.
“Obidients take note: only go where you are accepted and appreciated and not where you are merely tolerated,” Fani-Kayode jabbed.
The remarks have sparked swift backlash online, especially from Obi’s supporters—popularly known as the “Obidients”—who accused Fani-Kayode of spreading misinformation and politicising a diplomatic occasion. Several netizens pointed out that international events, especially at the Vatican, are subject to rigid protocol irrespective of a guest’s political stature.
As of press time, Peter Obi has not issued any official response to the controversy. However, sources close to his media team describe the incident as “a minor logistical mix-up that was promptly resolved” and insist that the former governor’s attendance at the event was in good faith and devoid of political motives.
“It is unfortunate that what should have been a moment of religious unity and national pride is being weaponised by political actors for ridicule and petty point-scoring,” a source familiar with the trip told Daily Post Nigeria.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu’s presence at the Vatican as one of Africa’s key representatives at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration has been largely praised by diplomatic observers. According to insiders, Tinubu was received warmly by Vatican officials, and his participation in the event was regarded as a nod to Nigeria’s significance within the global Christian community.
Former First Lady of Biafra and diplomat Bianca Ojukwu had earlier noted that Pope Leo XIV specifically requested a private audience with Tinubu, praising his regional influence and calling for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the Holy See on global peace and religious harmony.
Political analysts have noted that the Obi-Fani-Kayode episode reflects Nigeria’s highly polarised political environment, where even symbolic or spiritual occasions are not spared from partisan drama. According to Dr. Olamide Adeyemi, a political communications expert:
“This video, regardless of its original intent, has been turned into a tool for political commentary. It illustrates how personalities like Fani-Kayode continue to shape narratives—sometimes undiplomatically—by capitalising on optics to push party loyalty and undermine opponents.”
In response, members of the Obidient Movement have called on the Tinubu administration and its allies to focus more on tackling Nigeria’s economic woes, rising insecurity, and policy implementation rather than gloating over perceived protocol breaches.
Several X users posted screenshots of previous international engagements involving Peter Obi, highlighting his participation in global forums like the Chatham House dialogue, the London School of Economics lecture series, and his meetings with African and European leaders.
While the Vatican has not commented officially on the alleged incident involving Obi, the episode has once again placed Nigeria’s often theatrical political culture on international display. As the dust settles, many hope that future diplomatic events involving Nigerian leaders—past and present—can be approached with more decorum and less political point-scoring.