Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has sparked controversy after mocking former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over an incident at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration ceremony at the Vatican.
The incident, captured in a viral video, shows Obi alongside Cardinal Francis Arinze engaged in what appears to be a discussion with Vatican security personnel while other dignitaries proceeded to the VVIP section of the event.
According to reports, the former Anambra State Governor was initially denied entry for allegedly failing to present the required invitation credentials for the high-profile papal event.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Fani-Kayode claimed that Obi was "beautifully bounced" until President Bola Tinubu allegedly intervened on his behalf.
"Despite Cardinal Arinze's noble efforts it appears that @PeterObi was not allowed in to see the Pope," Fani-Kayode wrote. "He was beautifully bounced until @officialABAT put in a word for him and he was later allowed in to pay homage."
The former minister further claimed that even after the alleged intervention, Obi "was not allowed anywhere near the Pope and instead went and paid homage to our President."
In what appeared to be a direct message to Obi's supporters, known as "Obidients," Fani-Kayode added: "Obidients take note: only go where you are accepted and appreciated and not where you are tolerated."
The incident comes amid ongoing political tensions between various factions in Nigerian politics. Peter Obi had previously cautioned against politicizing the Vatican visit, according to related reports cited in the source material.
As of the time of this report, Peter Obi has not publicly responded to Fani-Kayode's claims about the incident.
