Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo was forced to speak on behalf of the President, the VP apologized for his absence to the world leaders that gathered for the inauguration Gala Night.
Sources present have revealed that some African leaders and other guests who gathered at the new Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari's inauguration on Friday, May 29, were stunned when Buhari left the event midway and never returned.
The guests, moved straight to the Villa for a lucheon, after the swearing in at the Eagles Square venue was finished.
Muhammadu Buhari was said to have left the ceremony to attend Jumat prayers while his guests were eating, after waiting for a while for the President's return, 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.