The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Monday received the newly deployed Osun State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Morakinyo Akinyemi, during a courtesy visit to the historic Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
The visit marked Comptroller Akinyemi’s formal introduction to the palace following his recent deployment to Osun State.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Comptroller arrived alongside members of his management team to seek royal blessings and strengthen ties with the foremost traditional ruler.
Speaking during the visit, Akinyemi described the Ooni as a highly respected monarch whose influence extends beyond cultural and traditional boundaries.
He explained that the purpose of the visit was not only to pay homage to the Ooni but also to establish a cordial and productive relationship between the Nigeria Immigration Service and the palace.
“I am here to pay a visit and to receive royal blessings. I am always happy to see Your Majesty, and I am deeply honoured to be here today,” Akinyemi said.
The Osun Immigration Comptroller also stressed the importance of collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions, especially in areas such as intelligence gathering, border control awareness, and community engagement.
According to him, partnerships with traditional rulers remain vital in strengthening national security and improving communication between security agencies and local communities.
Responding, the Ooni of Ife, who is also the Permanent Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), commended the Comptroller and his team for the visit.
The monarch described the visit as a reflection of respect for traditional institutions and recognition of the important role traditional rulers continue to play in governance, peacebuilding, and societal development.
Ooni Ogunwusi further praised the Nigeria Immigration Service for its role in protecting the nation’s borders and maintaining internal security.
“I thank you for this honour. I have a very strong relationship with your agency, and I appreciate the work you are doing for our country. God will bless you,” the Ooni said.
The monarch assured Comptroller Akinyemi of his full support, emphasizing that the palace remains open to meaningful collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies in the interest of peace, stability, and national development.
The visit further highlights the growing partnership between traditional institutions and government agencies in addressing security challenges and promoting closer engagement with local communities.
