Why President left African leaders at inauguration luncheon and never returned

Speaking on behalf of the President, Osinbajo apologised for his absence, saying he had to take part in Jumat Prayers.

Reports said some African leaders and other guests gathered at the new Banquet Hall of the Presidential  Villa to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari's inauguration on Friday, May 29, were surprised when the new leader left the event midway and never returned.

The guests, who were earlier at the Eagles Square, where the President and his deputy Professor Yemi Osinbajo had taken their oaths of office, moved to the Villa with the new Nigerian leaders for a luncheon.

Buhari was said to have left the ceremony to attend Jumat prayers while his guests were eating. But after waiting for sometime for the President's return, which never happened, the organisers were forced to invite Osinbajo to make remarks in the President's stead.

The Commander-in-Chief crest was quickly removed from the podium to enable the vice-president make use of it.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Osinbajo apologised for his absence, saying he had to take part in Jumat Prayers.

He said, “on behalf of the people of Nigeria and most especially on behalf of the President, I thank you and wish you safe journey back home.”

The vice-president later saw the African leaders off on behalf of the President before being driven away in his official car.

African leaders, who graced the event included those of South Africa, Liberia and and Guinea, among others.