Billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Femi Otedola, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Cardinal Prevost, on his election as the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Otedola, who currently serves as the Chancellor of Augustine University in Ilara, Epe, Lagos State, expressed his admiration and joy in a statement shared via Instagram on Friday.
Accompanying his message was a photograph of the newly elected Pope during his visit to Nigeria in 2016.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, and Management of Augustine University Ilara, Epe, Lagos State, I, Femi Otedola CON, Chancellor, proudly congratulate our new Pope, Leo XIV @Pontifex, a devoted Augustinian Priest from whom our University draws its name and heritage,” Otedola stated.
Reflecting on the Pope’s prior connection to Nigeria, Otedola highlighted that the pontiff had visited the Augustinian community in Abuja in 2016, where he played a significant role in commissioning major projects.
He added, “We are especially proud that His Holiness visited the Augustinian community in Abuja, in 2016, where he commissioned key projects. We pray for God’s guidance as he undertakes the sacred responsibility of leading 1.5 billion Catholics around the world.”
Before ascending to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV held the position of Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru.
His visit to Nigeria took place as part of his role within the Order of St. Augustine.
During the trip, he engaged with local clergy and lay faithful, participating in events that strengthened the order’s presence on the African continent.
A post from that time, translated from Spanish, noted: “For the first time, General Chapter of the Order of St. Augustine on the African continent — Abuja, Nigeria.” The accompanying photo, dated September 29, 2016, showed the future Pope alongside both Nigerian and international Catholic leaders.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a significant chapter in the global Catholic Church, and Otedola’s tribute underscores the deep connection between the pontiff and the Nigerian Catholic community.
