"Why Universities Should Study How Wike Joined Tinubu’s Cabinet," Ooni of Ife Speaks

• The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has described the political trajectory of FCT minister Nyesom Wike as a mystery that Nigerian universities should research
• The revered monarch expressed amazement that Wike, a prominent member of the opposition PDP, could be appointed to a key ministerial position in an administration led by the APC under Bola Tinubu
• Wike delivered the keynote speech at the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, themed “Nigeria of Our Dreams”

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ọjájá II, has called on Nigerian universities to examine how Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), secured a position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike’s political journey a ‘mystery’ worth studying - Ooni

Speaking at the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday, June 5, the monarch expressed his astonishment over Wike’s political trajectory.

As reported by The Punch, Ooni described Wike's ministerial appointment under an All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government as a “mystery.”

“For your career, I will particularly say that I give a very strong honour to the father of the nation, President Bola Tinubu,” the Ooni said while addressing Wike, who served as the keynote speaker at the event.

“You belong to a different political party and yet are able to work together. 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.

“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,” Ooni said.

The traditional ruler acknowledged that while Wike may have critics, he is widely respected for his boldness and resilience.

Meanwhile, Wike's open support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid and campaign has sparked fresh controversy in the polity and within the PDP.

Wike, during a media chat in Abuja, openly stated that he will lead President Tinubu’s 2027 and also dared anyone from the PDP to expel him over anti-party activities.

Read more about Wike, Ooni of Ife here:

• Ooni performs for his daughter
• Trending video shows moment Alaafin of Oyo reportedly refused to stand up to greet Ooni of Ife, raises concern
• Ooni of Ife graces billionaire Obi Jackson's daughter's wedding
• 2027 election: Wike speaks on why Tinubu will defeat PDP, "We have won"
• Rivers crisis: Wike breaks down, mentions how Fubara betrayed him, “I wept”
• Reactions as Wike vows to support Tinubu’s re-election

Jonathan hosts Ooni

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported earlier that former President Goodluck Jonathan received Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ọjájá II, at his residence in Yenagoa, on Friday, May 2.

Jonathan expressed deep appreciation to the Ooni in what he described as a royal visit and a significant gesture of unity and mutual respect.

The former president also expressed gratitude to the monarch for the royal gifts and shared photos of the developments on his social media page.

Source: Legit.ng