At the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the Ooni of Ife, openly marveled at what he described as the “mystery” of Nyesom Wike’s continued political relevance—this time, as a minister in an APC-led government while still a card-carrying member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The monarch, speaking before an audience packed with academics and students, did not mince words: “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. 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.”
Oba Ogunwusi noted that Wike’s journey is one for the political history books, stressing, “Hate him or like him, what will be, will be. He is a politician to be studied. I don’t know how he’s been actively relevant for 20 years.”
Wike, who fell out with his party’s leadership during the 2023 election over zoning disputes and public disagreements with then-chairman Iyorchia Ayu, played a controversial but pivotal role. Despite his party affiliation, President Tinubu appointed him as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in August 2023—an unprecedented move that saw Wike’s influence in national politics surge, even as Rivers State delivered a decisive win for Tinubu at the polls.
The Ooni concluded by acknowledging that Wike’s boldness has won him both enemies and admirers. “He has earned the respect of many because of his fearlessness,” the monarch stated, calling for the nation’s academic institutions to analyze Wike’s unique political path.
As Nigeria’s democracy matures, the Ooni’s remarks underscore how alliances, surprises, and bold moves are redefining the nation’s political playbook.
