It was indeed moment of acute embarrassment at the Vatican City over the weekend for former Nigerian presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, after he was unceremoniously barred from gaining entrance into the VVIP section of the papal inauguration ceremony.
The reason for this high profile embarrassment was hinged on his inability to present the required invitation pass.
A video making the rounds on social media spotlights how the former Anambra governor was seen being held down by Vatican security officials as he attempted to access a restricted area at the grand event.
One of the officers could be heard politely but firmly informing Obi that without the proper credentials, he could not be granted entry into the designated section.
The footage, which has triggered a flurry of online reactions, shows Obi standing momentarily stunned as he was turned away, despite claims by his supporters that he had travelled to represent Nigeria and show solidarity with Cardinal Francis Arinze, one of Africa’s most prominent Catholic leaders.
Netizens have however wasted no time in dissecting the development.
An X user, Pastor Okezie J Atani, took a swipe at the Labour Party leader and his supporters, writing:
“Instead of (Obidients) to concentrate on Peter Obi that was ‘BOUNCED’ from entering the event center even when he was the bag holder for Cardinal Arinze… Peter Gregory Onwubuasi Obi was CLEARLY told ‘YOU ARE NOT WELCOMED INSIDE.’”
While Peter Obi has issued his own account of the incident, sources close to Vatican protocol explained that access to the VVIP section at papal ceremonies is strictly regulated, and even political figures are required to carry formal invitation passes vetted by the Holy See.
Reports had surfaced on how the Nigerian presidency “celebrated” President Bola Tinubu shaking hands with the newly installed Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday.
The pontiff had routinely shaken hands with several world leaders in St Peter’s Square after the inauguration mass on Sunday.
While shaking hands with the Pope, Tinubu had been captured having a brief conversation with him before moving away.
Other world leaders who shook hands with the Pope include US Vice President J.D Vance and Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, among others.
