Ooni Praises Tinubu as 18 Key Leaders Take South-West Stage

Ooni Praises Tinubu as 18 Key Leaders Take South-West Stage

Ooni Praises Tinubu for what he called a groundbreaking and historic gesture toward regional progress, following the creation of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and the appointment of a respected team to lead it.

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, Tinubu has not only established a foundation for development in the South West but has also chosen people of high integrity to drive the commission’s work.

He said the nomination of Charles ‘Diji Akinola as the Managing Director and CEO of the SWDC marks a visionary decision that will steer the region toward lasting change.

In a statement shared by the palace’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni described Mr. Akinola as an exceptional technocrat. He praised his professional record and commitment to building both the South West and the nation as a whole.

The monarch also applauded the President for selecting Senator Olu Adetunmbi as chairman of the board. He hailed Adetunmbi’s background in development as a perfect match for the Commission’s goals. Alongside him, a diverse team of appointees was unveiled, which the Ooni believes reflects sound judgment and strategic thinking.

Among the notable names listed were Princess Nike Omoworare, a prominent daughter of Ile-Ife; Bolaji Ariyo; Joseph Olugbenga; Olumuyiwa Olabimtan; Adewinle Martins; and retired General Abdul Adamu. Others included Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere, Howell Ihenacho, Olugbenga Olufehinti, Tele Ogunjobi, Funmilayo Tejuosho, Fatai Ibikunle, and Lateef Ajijola.

The Ooni described each of them as “round pegs in round holes,” suggesting that the appointments were not just symbolic but well-calculated for real results.

Oba Ogunwusi singled out two Osun State indigenes—Charles Akinola and Princess Omoworare—for special recognition. He called Akinola a seasoned development expert and lauded his experience in public service, especially his role as a former Chief of Staff to a state governor.

He urged Akinola to use his wealth of knowledge in public-private partnerships, rural enterprise, and international development cooperation to uplift the region. According to him, this is a moment for action, not just titles.

“Let your past speak through your performance,” the Ooni advised.

He stressed that these appointments confirm President Tinubu’s promise to build an inclusive government and drive growth in all zones, not just at the center. For the South West, the creation of this Commission is more than policy—it is a lifeline.

The Ooni expressed confidence in the leadership and their ability to tackle real challenges. He believes the Commission has what it takes to reduce infrastructure gaps, ease ecological concerns, and close security loopholes in the region.

More importantly, he said, the SWDC has a duty to deliver visible and lasting benefits to the people. He called on the leadership to approach their mission with honesty, focus, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Oba Ogunwusi emphasized that these appointments are not just about filling positions—they are about building a team that can transform lives. He urged all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, state governments, and civil society groups, to rally around the Commission.

He assured the people of the South West that the team, led by Dr. Akinola, would uphold the values of service, integrity, and progress. He sees this as a moment of hope and renewal for the region.

According to him, regional commissions like the SWDC offer a chance to address local challenges with local solutions, something he has long advocated as a traditional ruler and cultural custodian.

It is not just a federal victory, he explained, but a triumph of grassroots advocacy that reflects the people’s cry for fairness and development.

Earlier this year, President Tinubu signed into law two bills: one for the South West Development Commission and another for the South-South Development Commission. These acts laid the groundwork for regional bodies to drive development in their respective areas.

Shortly after, the President submitted a list of appointees to the Nigerian Senate, seeking approval for leaders of the newly created regional commissions. For the South West, the list contained 18 names, carefully chosen to lead the body from planning to impact.

The Ooni believes this lineup shows that the President is serious about correcting years of neglect and opening the door to economic growth and cultural renaissance.

For many in the South West, the Commission symbolizes a long-overdue opportunity. The region, rich in human capital and natural resources, has struggled with poor infrastructure, rising insecurity, and youth unemployment.

Leaders like the Ooni have long demanded better. With this move by Tinubu, there is now reason to hope that those demands are finally being heard at the highest level.

Traditional institutions, said the Ooni, are ready to play their part. But the real test lies ahead—in what the Commission does with the trust it has been given.

In closing, the monarch urged the new board to remember their roots and the people they serve. Development, he said, is not measured by policies on paper but by the difference made in people’s daily lives.