Drama as security blocks Peter Obi from VVIP section at inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome (Video)

IntelRegion reports that the high-profile Vatican ceremony held on Sunday, My 18, 2025, was attended by global leaders and dignitaries.

Among them are Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, US Vice President, JD Vance, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, among others.

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A viral video circulating online showed a awkward moment during the Vatican event where Peter Obi, a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester was barred from entering the VVIP section despite being accompanied by Cardinal Francis Arinze.

In the footage, security personnel firmly turned Obi away from the exclusive entrance, directing him to use an alternative route.

What made the situation more striking was that even Cardinal Arinze’s attempts to vouch for him were overruled. The security personnel stood his ground, insisting Obi lacked the required credentials for that particular entry point.

The former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi who was together with Obi was also barred from gaining access to the entrance.

Meanwhile, earlier Peter Obi in a statement on Monday via X, described the trip as deeply reflective and clarified that his participation in the ceremony was not political and should not be interpreted through a political lens.

“I have just returned from the Vatican, and it was a deeply solemn and reflective visit. My participation in the inauguration ceremony was in line with my previous witnessing of inaugurations, swearing-ins, and official ceremonies across the world — this was no exception,” he said.

He added, “Such occasions carry profound moral and spiritual significance. This was never a political event and should remain untouched by politics. Some moments are best reserved for quiet contemplation.”

Obi noted that he did not attend the Papal Audience and, as such, did not meet Pope Francis personally. He explained that the audience was reserved for heads of state and accredited diplomats.

“What should truly command our attention, however, is the content and moral force contained in the Pope’s homily,” Obi said, referring to the Pope’s call to fight poverty and promote a spirit of brotherhood beyond ethnic, political, and religious divides.

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He emphasised that the deeper value of the gathering should not be seen in ceremonial participation but in the willingness of attendees to act on the Pope’s message.

“The fight against corruption is the essential first step toward building societies where resources are directed to what truly matters — education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure. These should be our major concern and the lasting message we carry home from the Vatican,” Obi stated.

He concluded by calling on Nigerians in positions of authority to commit to building a more just, compassionate, and prosperous nation.

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