The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the creation of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), describing it as a visionary step towards the transformation of the region.
In a statement signed by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, the revered monarch expressed profound appreciation to the President for establishing the commission and appointing capable individuals to steer its affairs.
Ooni Ogunwusi particularly praised the appointment of Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola as the pioneer Managing Director/CEO of the SWDC, calling it a “historic turning point” for the South West. He described Akinola, a former Chief of Staff to the Osun State Governor, as a seasoned development expert with a stellar track record in public-private partnerships, rural enterprise development, and international development cooperation.
The Ooni also lauded the appointment of Senator Olu Adetunmbi as Chairman of the Commission and commended the inclusion of other board members, including Hon. Princess Nike Omoworare, a distinguished daughter of Ile-Ife. He emphasized that the entire team consists of individuals of impeccable character and professional competence, fit to drive the commission’s development agenda.
“These appointments reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance and the upliftment of the South West region,” the Ooni said, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to tackle infrastructure deficits, ecological challenges, and security concerns while promoting sustainable growth.
He urged the newly appointed leaders to serve with integrity and dedication, and called on all stakeholders — including traditional institutions, state governments, and civil society — to support the commission’s vision of economic prosperity and cultural renaissance for the South West.
The Ooni assured the people of the region that the leadership of the SWDC will deliver tangible benefits that will enhance the quality of life and promote development across the six South Western states.
