The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the political trajectory of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as a political phenomenon worthy of academic research in Nigeria’s universities.
Speaking on Thursday at the 2025 edition of the Obafemi Awolowo University Distinguished Personality Lecture in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the revered monarch said Wike’s cross-party influence—being a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yet serving in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—remains a “mystery” that political scientists should unravel.
“For your career, I must say I give very strong honour to the father of the nation, President Bola Tinubu. You belong to a different political party, yet you are able to work together. You are part of this government. It’s still a mystery; I don’t even know how it happened,” the Ooni said.
“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 has remained actively relevant for 20 years.”
The traditional ruler, who lauded Wike’s courage and resilience, further stated, “Some of us have a lot of respect for you because of your fearlessness. Nigeria is for all of us, and you are playing your part and making history.”
Wike, a lawyer and former governor of Rivers State, delivered the keynote lecture at the event, which was attended by high-profile guests including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; former Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom.
The PDP chieftain, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, was appointed FCT Minister in August 2023 by President Tinubu — a development that has continued to spark intense debate within and outside the PDP.
Despite mounting criticism from party leaders such as Sule Lamido and Chief Bode George, Wike has vowed to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 and has dared the PDP leadership to sanction or expel him.
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