The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the South West Development Commission (SWDC).
He also thanked him for appointing people of impeccable character to run the commission’s affairs for the stipulated time.
The Ooni, who is also the Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), commended the President on the nomination of Charles ‘Diji Akinola as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SWDC, describing it a visionary choice and a historic turning point for the region’ s developmental trajectory.
In a statement by the Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, on Wednesday, the monarch described Akinola as an outstanding technocrat with an impressive pedigree and passionate commitment to regional and national development.
“Ooni Ogunwusi equally commends the President on the excellent choice of Senator Olu Adetunmbi, a development expert, as the chairman and other members of the Board, including a distinguished Ife daughter, Princess Nike Omoworare, Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olugbenga, Olumuyiwa Olabimtan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, Abdul Adamu a retired general, Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere, Howell Ihenacho, Olugbenga Olufehinti, Tele Ogunjobi, Funmilayo Tejuosho, Fatai Ibikunle and Lateef Ajijola saying all the appointees are round pegs for the round holes,” the state read.
While lauding the appointment of two illustrious citizens of Osun State: Charles Akindiji Akinola and Mrs. Nike Omoworare, to executive positions within the newly inaugurated commission, the Ooni described Akinola as a seasoned development expert with impressive public service experience as former chief of staff to the governor of Osun State.
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He, however, advised the MD to let his extensive experience in public-private partnerships, rural enterprise development, and international development cooperation positions speak for him to lead the Commission in addressing the infrastructural and socio-economic challenges of the South West region.
The Ooni emphasised that the appointments reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance and the upliftment of the South-West region.
He expressed confidence that the leadership of the SWDC would work diligently to fulfill its mandate of addressing infrastructural deficits, ecological challenges, security gaps and promoting sustainable development in the region.
The monarch further urged them to approach their new responsibilities with integrity, dedication, and a focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people of the South-West.
“Ooni Ogunwusi, the Permanent Chairman, Osun state Council of Obas and chiefs also calls upon all stakeholders, including traditional institutions, state governments, and civil society organisations, to support the SWDC in its mission to transform the South West into a hub of economic prosperity and cultural renaissance assuring the entire South Westerners that Dr Akinola and his team will approach their new responsibilities with integrity, dedication, and a focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people of the South West,” the statement added.
In March 2025, Tinubu assented to the South-West Development Commission Bill and the South-South Development Commission Bill.
The Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, who made this known in a statement, noted that the legislation reflected Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance, equitable progress, and Nigeria’s emergence as a global powerhouse.
On May 8, the President formally requested the Senate’s confirmation of appointees to lead the South West, North Central, and South South development commissions.
In a correspondence to the Senate, Tinubu nominated a total of 55 individuals across the three commissions.
