ILE-IFE, Nigeria — The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has described Nyesom Wike’s political trajectory as a phenomenon worthy of academic scrutiny, urging Nigerian political scientists to study how a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured a ministerial position in a ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
Speaking on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the 2025 Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Distinguished Personality Lecture in Ile-Ife — where Wike delivered the keynote address — the revered monarch called Wike’s political journey a “mystery” and an important case study in political adaptability and survival.
“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,” Oba Ogunwusi 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.”
Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, was appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by President Tinubu in August 2023 — a controversial move that has sparked ongoing debate within the PDP and broader political circles.
“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,” the Ooni added, noting that Wike’s sustained influence and fearlessness had earned him admiration, even among critics.
“Nigeria is for all of us, and you are playing your part and making history,” the traditional ruler concluded.
Thursday’s event was attended by several dignitaries including Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu and Samuel Ortom of Benue.
Wike’s presence in President Tinubu’s cabinet and his open support for the president’s re-election bid in 2027 has deepened intra-party rifts within the PDP.
Senior party figures such as Sule Lamido and Bode George have accused him of fuelling division and acting against the interests of the party.
The minister, however, has repeatedly defied calls for disciplinary action, daring the PDP leadership to expel him.
