The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on universities to study how Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), became part of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The monarch made the remarks during the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture held at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state, where Wike served as the keynote speaker. The Ooni described Wike’s appointment as a “mystery” and expressed surprise over how it happened.
The Ooni said, “You are part of this government. It is still a mystery. I don’t even know how it happened. For me, it is something that universities should be studying and I mean it. It’s very important.”
The monarch praised Wike’s fearlessness and noted that he has earned the respect of many despite having enemies. “Hate him or like him, what will be, will be. He (Wike) is a politician to be studied. I don’t know how he’s been actively relevant for 20 years.”
The Ooni also commended President Tinubu for working with Wike despite their party differences. “For your career, I will particularly say that I give a very strong honour to the father of the nation, President Bola Tinubu. You belong to a different political party and yet are able to work together.”
The development has sparked interest and debate among Nigerians, with some calling for more research into the dynamics of the country’s politics.
