How Tinubu’s Son, Seyi, Was Blocked From Shaking Hands With Pope Leo XIV In Rome

— Seyi being blocked by the security at Papal’s Inauguration

By St. Johnson Adegboyega

During a special mass at the Vatican, held to mark the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday. Son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Seyi who was in Rome with his father was stopped from greeting the newly installed Pope Leo XIV during the inauguration event.

President Tinubu was among the invited world leaders at the ceremony.

As the Nigerian president was led forward by two senior Catholic clerics to meet the Pope, Seyi Tinubu followed closely behind. However, a Vatican protocol officer stepped in and politely blocked him from moving closer to the Pope.

While President Tinubu exchanged greetings with the pontiff, his son was directed away, unable to shake hands or interact directly with the Pope.

Since his father assumed office, Seyi Tinubu has often been seen travelling with him on official trips. However, critics have raised questions about his presence at high-level events where he holds no official government role.