The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s proposed restructuring of the Forest Guard security framework. The Yoruba monarch made the endorsement during a courtesy visit to the President in Lagos on Sunday.
Following their closed-door meeting, Oba Ogunwusi spoke to journalists, explaining that his visit was twofold: to mark the Eid al-Fitr (Sallah) celebrations and to personally update the President on his recent diplomatic trip to Kazakhstan.
“I’m here to greet Mr. President for the Sallah break and also to appreciate all the great things he’s doing for our dear country,” the Ooni said. “I went to a country called Kazakhstan and came back with feedback. The good things he’s doing are opening Nigeria up to many nations that now want to work with us.”
The monarch highlighted the growing international recognition of Nigeria under Tinubu’s leadership, particularly with respect to foreign investment and macroeconomic stability.
“In history, there is no arbitrage again. You bring dollars to Nigeria to do business, and you take it out; no dual exchange between the central bank and the parallel market. The world is watching us as a nation,” he remarked.
Oba Ogunwusi also emphasized the evolving role of traditional rulers in national development, calling on them to work collaboratively with government institutions and inspire hope among Nigerian youth.
“We traditional rulers should lead by example, work in tandem with the government, and give hope to our youth. This is another testimony of hope for Nigerian youth,” he noted.
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On security matters, the Ooni expressed optimism about the Tinubu administration’s strategies, especially the initiative to strengthen the Forest Guard system across northern and southern regions of the country.
“We’re very happy with the Forest Guard structure and the new platform to bring in more police force to continue to comb the entire forest, both in the north and in the south,” he said. “Once security is addressed, there will be a solid platform for investment to flow into Nigeria.”
The Ooni reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Tinubu, describing him as “a bold president committed to a better Nigeria.” He urged Nigerians to embrace a positive and unified outlook on the nation’s future.
“It’s about time for all of us in Nigeria to come together and look at Nigeria as a cup half full, not half empty,” Oba Ogunwusi concluded.
