Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Maiduguri, Nigeria — In a significant display of inter‑regional respect and cultural diplomacy, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (CFR), Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife and Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, has publicly praised the leadership of Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, describing him as a “true reformer” and a model of transformative governance. The commendation came during a private meeting at the Government House in Maiduguri on Friday evening, where the traditional monarch underscored his admiration for the governor’s commitment to rebuilding and developing Borno State after years of insurgency and hardship.
The visit to Maiduguri marked the Ooni’s presence at the combined convocation ceremony of Kashim Ibrahim University, a state‑owned institution, where he was installed as the new Chancellor. The appointment, conferred by Governor Zulum, reflects a deepening partnership between traditional leadership and state governance aimed at advancing education, unity, and development across regional lines.
During his remarks, the Ooni expressed profound respect for Governor Zulum’s dedication to service. “I like what you are doing, I am very proud of you,” he said, emphasising that many Nigerians — particularly young people — view Zulum as a visionary leader. “You have proven to everybody that you are truly a reformer. A lot of us are watching you; we support everything you do.”
The monarch spoke warmly about Borno State itself, contrasting his prior curiosity about the governor’s attachment to the region with his lived experience upon arrival. “Honestly speaking, Borno is a beautiful state,” he said, noting the palpable sense of community and resilience that underpins the state’s ongoing recovery efforts after more than a decade of insurgency‑related disruption.
Beyond contemporary governance, the Ooni also highlighted the ancient and enduring historical connections between the Kanuri people of Borno and the Yoruba heritage of southwestern Nigeria. “For me, as a traditional ruler from Ife, the Kanuris are our cousins; we are blood relatives — very strongly, as in very, very strongly,” he noted. “I met our link and our affiliation through history.” This reflection resonated with the broader theme of unity and cultural kinship, bridging Nigeria’s diverse ethnic landscapes.
To further symbolize the bond between the Southwest and the Northeast, the Ooni presented Governor Zulum with a symbolic artefact — an ancient gift representing the deep cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and the enduring ties that unite different regions of the country.
The traditional leader was accompanied by a distinguished delegation of Yoruba royalty and academic figures, including the Ajero of Ijero‑Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole Adebayo; the Alagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Olayinka Ogunwole; the Onigbaye of Igbaye, Oba Joseph Okunlola Oni; Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji Oladepo; and the Vice Chancellor of OJAJA University, Ilorin, Professor Jeleel Ojuade. Their presence underscored the cultural importance of the visit and the shared commitment to forging stronger inter‑regional ties.
In his response, Governor Babagana Zulum expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ooni for the visit and the traditional monarch’s acceptance of the chancellorship at Kashim Ibrahim University. Zulum lauded the Ooni as a unifying figure and a steadfast champion of national unity and cultural preservation.
“Your visit is a profound honour not only for me but for the entire people of Borno State,” the governor said. He emphasised that the state’s journey toward sustainable development and peace remains a central priority for his administration, and that the support of esteemed leaders like the Ooni reinforces that mission.
Zulum’s tenure has been marked by efforts to strengthen public institutions, expand educational opportunities, and rebuild infrastructure in areas affected by conflict. His leadership has drawn national attention for its emphasis on resilience, community empowerment, and inclusive governance — traits that the Ooni highlighted as hallmarks of a reform‑oriented administration.
Kashim Ibrahim University, formerly Borno State University, has played a pivotal role in the state’s post‑conflict recovery, expanding its academic programmes and facilities to accommodate growing student populations and evolving educational needs. The Ooni’s new role as Chancellor aligns with strategic efforts to elevate the institution’s profile and academic excellence, including plans to introduce advanced programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence, computing, and cybersecurity to equip young Nigerians with the skills required for the global digital economy.
The university’s first combined convocation ceremony, where the Ooni was to be conferred an honorary doctorate degree alongside prominent figures, represents a milestone in its history. Such events are emblematic of the broader ambition to position Borno State as a centre for intellectual growth and opportunity, even as it continues to recover from insurgency‑related disruptions.
The Ooni’s commendation of Governor Zulum carries weight beyond regional celebration; it reinforces a narrative of national unity and mutual respect across Nigeria’s diverse cultural and political landscape. In a country where ethnic and regional differences have at times been sources of tension, such symbolic gestures of solidarity bolstered by substantive cooperation signal the potential for collaborative leadership models that transcend local identities.
Traditional rulers in Nigeria have historically played crucial roles in maintaining social cohesion, mediating conflicts, and fostering community development. The Ooni’s engagement with Zulum and Borno State exemplifies how cultural diplomacy and inclusive leadership can advance shared goals of peace, education, and socio‑economic progress.
As the Ooni settles into his role as Chancellor and continues to advocate for unity, and as Governor Zulum persists in his reform agenda, stakeholders across civil society and government will be watching for how these high‑profile endorsements and partnerships can translate into tangible benefits for communities throughout Nigeria.
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