The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has highlighted the political gravitas of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that has made him a pointsman in the President Bola Tinubu cabinet and urged universities to study his unique political journey closely.
Oba Ogunwusi also commended the political acumen of Wike, describing his inclusion in Tinubu’s cabinet as a phenomenon worthy of academic study.
Speaking at the 2025 OAU Distinguished Personality Lecture held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where Wike delivered the keynote address, the traditional ruler emphasised the significance of Wike’s political maneuvering across party lines.
Oba Ogunwusi remarked, “I give great honour to the father of the nation, President Bola Tinubu. Despite belonging to different political parties, you have found a way to work together. Your presence in this government remains a mystery, one that universities should seriously examine.”
“Whether you like him or not, Wike has been politically relevant for over two decades and deserves to be studied.”
Acknowledging the controversies surrounding Wike, the Ooni of Ife also praised his resilience and fearlessness, stating, “Though not everyone may agree with him, many respect his courage. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and Wike is making his mark in the nation’s history.”
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Samuel Ortom of Benue State, among others.
