Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has stirred fresh controversy after mocking former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over an incident that reportedly took place at the Vatican in Rome.
According to a video shared by Fani-Kayode on social media, Obi and former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi were seen standing at the entrance of a papal hall on Sunday, May 18, during Pope Leo the 16th’s inauguration.
In the clip, both men appeared to be questioned by security officials before they were allowed further entry.
Fani-Kayode, known for his vocal and often provocative opinions, took to his X (formerly Twitter) page to troll Obi and his supporters.
He alleged that the former Anambra State governor was initially denied access to the Pope until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened.
“Despite Cardinal Arinze’s noble efforts, it appears that Peter was not allowed to see the Pope.
He was beautifully bounced until President Bola Tinubu put in a word for him and was later allowed in to pay homage,” FFK wrote.
He continued by saying that Obi was not given the opportunity to interact directly with the Pope and instead paid homage to Nigeria’s President, who was also in attendance.
“Even then, he was not allowed anywhere near the Pope and instead went and paid homage to our President,” he added.
Fani-Kayode didn’t stop there. He used the moment to send a message to Obi’s followers, popularly known as “Obidients.”
“Obidients take note: only go where you are accepted and appreciated and not where you are tolerated,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to the video.
Some described the moment as embarrassing, while others believe it was exaggerated for political gain.
The incident also raises questions about international protocol and representation, especially when political personalities attend high-profile religious or diplomatic events.
Though the Labour Party has not issued an official statement, Peter Obi’s supporters have begun defending him online, insisting the situation was misrepresented.
