The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has urged Nigerian universities to study the political trajectory of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who secured a cabinet role under President Bola Tinubu despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture held at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the monarch described Wike’s appointment in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government as a “mystery” deserving of academic investigation.
Addressing Wike, who was the event’s keynote speaker, the Ooni said, “For your career, I give special recognition to the father of the nation, President Bola Tinubu. You come from a different political party, yet you work together and are part of this government. How this happened remains a mystery to me. This is something universities should study seriously. It’s very important.”
He added, “Whether people approve or not, what will be, will be. Wike is a politician worthy of study. I don’t know how he has stayed so relevant for 20 years.”
While acknowledging Wike’s critics, the Ooni commended his courage and resilience, highlighting the broad respect he commands.
The event, themed “Nigeria of Our Dreams,” took place at OAU’s Oduduwa Hall. According to a statement from Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Wike’s invitation was formally extended via a letter dated April 14, 2025, signed by the university’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. K. A. Bakare.
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