The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the political trajectory of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a phenomenon worthy of academic scrutiny.
The revered monarch made the remarks on Thursday during the 2025 edition of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Distinguished Personality Lecture Series held in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The lecture, which drew dignitaries from across the nation, featured Wike—former governor of Rivers State and a key figure in the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) as the keynote speaker.
Commending Wike for his audacious and unconventional political career, the Ooni noted that his ability to transition from an opposition stalwart to a critical player in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration defies conventional political logic.
“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 Ooni said.
“You are part of this government. It’s 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.”
Describing Wike as a resilient political force, Oba Ogunwusi said his continuous relevance in Nigeria’s political space for over two decades is a subject deserving scholarly attention.
“Hate him, 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,” he remarked.
The monarch also acknowledged Wike’s fearless approach to politics and governance, noting that while not universally liked, his boldness and political dexterity command respect in many quarters.
“Nigeria is for all of us and you are playing your part and making history,” he added.
Also present at the event were prominent figures 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.
Wike governed Rivers State from May 2015 to May 2023 and was appointed FCT Minister by President Tinubu in August 2023—an appointment that sparked political controversy due to Wike’s continued membership in the PDP.
His public pledge to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 has intensified tensions within the PDP. Senior party figures such as Sule Lamido and Bode George have openly criticized Wike, accusing him of sowing discord within the party and betraying its ideals.
However, Wike has remained defiant, challenging the PDP leadership to take disciplinary action against him if they dare.
Wike’s political journey from state leadership to national influence, while navigating party contradictions continues to generate debate among political analysts and party stakeholders alike.