Fact Check: Viral Image of Peter Obi Kneeling Before Tinubu at Pope’s Installation Is Doctored
An image shared across Facebook and WhatsApp claims to show Peter Obi kneeling before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the recent installation of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City on May 18, 2025.
The narrative sparked a flurry of commentary, especially from supporters of both political figures. One Facebook user, Atu Lazarus, claimed: “Peter Obi has won my heart. He knelt down for my father.”
Another, Pankwaye Bulus Kanam, wrote: “The Obi that was chanting and trying to form a coalition against the president was kneeling before him in the Vatican church.”
However, a visual forensic analysis by OkayVerify has found that the photo is not authentic.
The image has clear signs of digital manipulation. A close inspection shows lighting inconsistencies, unnatural posture positioning, and pixel distortion—indicators of a doctored image created to fit a political agenda.
While President Tinubu did attend the installation mass of the new Pope alongside notable Nigerians including Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi, no photo or video exists showing Obi kneeling.
In fact, President Tinubu’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, published an official statement outlining the actual interaction: Fayemi had approached the President with Obi, and the three shared a light-hearted moment.
“Mr. President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence,” Fayemi said, according to Onanuga. Tinubu replied, “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.” The exchange ended in laughter.
Peter Obi also acknowledged the encounter on his official platforms, confirming the pleasantries but making no mention of kneeling.
The fabricated image only surfaced afterwards, during social media debates, and appears to have been used to sway political narratives.
