By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
7- NOV-2025

In an explicit show of unity and collaboration between traditional institutions and political leadership, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, on behalf of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, at the Government House, Owerri.

The visit, which reflected the deepening synergy between traditional rulers and government authorities, centered on strategies to consolidate national unity, strengthen cultural values, and support the ongoing transformation efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Governor Hope Uzodimma, while warmly receiving the revered monarchs, expressed his profound appreciation for their visit and lauded their unwavering commitment to preserving peace, morality, and cultural identity at the grassroots. He described traditional rulers as “pillars of moral conscience and stabilizers of community governance,” noting that their collective influence remains vital to sustaining social harmony and fostering ethical rebirth across Nigeria.

The Governor reiterated that the transformative agenda of President Bola Tinubu deserves the total support of all patriotic citizens, particularly those entrusted with leadership at both traditional and political levels. He maintained that the President’s Renewed Hope Vision is not only redefining governance but also laying the foundation for sustainable national renewal and inclusive development.

Governor Uzodimma commended the Southern Traditional Rulers Council for aligning themselves with the President’s vision, emphasizing that such solidarity would fast-track progress and strengthen Nigeria’s unity in diversity. He pledged continued collaboration with traditional leaders across the South in advancing peace, development, and responsible governance.

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, who led the delegation, extolled Governor Uzodimma’s leadership qualities and his efforts in promoting peace and infrastructural transformation in Imo State. He acknowledged the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance, describing him as “a bridge between the government and the traditional institution.”

Highlighting the importance of partnership, the Ooni stated that traditional rulers are ready to work closely with state and federal authorities to promote unity, protect cultural heritage, and advance the welfare of Nigerians, especially at the grassroots level.

One of the high points of the visit was the formal announcement of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s appointment as the Coordinator of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council. The declaration was made by the Ooni of Ife on behalf of the Council, in recognition of Uzodimma’s visionary leadership, dedication to unity, and consistent engagement with traditional rulers across the region.

The appointment positions the Governor as a key facilitator in enhancing collaboration among traditional institutions across the 17 Southern states, strengthening dialogue with government authorities, and championing policies that safeguard cultural identity and grassroots development.

Responding to his new role, Governor Uzodimma expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him and assured the Council of his total commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities that come with the position. He reaffirmed his administration’s active pursuit of constitutional recognition and defined roles for traditional rulers, noting that this effort is already gaining national attention and will soon yield the desired outcome.

The Governor stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on strong moral foundations and the active involvement of traditional institutions in governance, particularly in addressing moral decadence, communal disputes, and youth restiveness. He vowed to continue working with traditional rulers to promote social order and shared prosperity.

The event was a convergence of royal dignity and political leadership, symbolizing a renewed bond between governance and tradition. It also reaffirmed Imo State’s growing reputation as a hub of progressive dialogue and a rallying point for Southern unity under the capable leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma.