Ooni sends strong message To Fani-Kayode, Jimoh Ibrahim, Adewole

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has charged newly appointed Nigerian ambassadors of Yoruba extraction to justify the confidence reposed in them by promoting Nigeria’s interests and projecting a positive image of the country abroad.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the revered monarch congratulated prominent Yoruba figures including Femi Fani-Kayode, Jimoh Ibrahim and Isaac Folorunso Adewole following their appointments as part of Nigeria’s new diplomatic team announced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The message was conveyed in a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare.

The monarch described the appointments as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence across the world, while urging the appointees to serve with patriotism, integrity and excellence.

Ogunwusi specifically congratulated former Minister of Health, Adewole, an indigene of Ilesa in Osun State, on his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada, noting that his experience and professional pedigree would add value to Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with the North American country.

He also hailed former Aviation Minister, Fani-Kayode, a native of Ile-Ife, on his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, urging him to use the opportunity to deepen diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and the European nation.

Similarly, the monarch congratulated businessman and senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, an indigene of Igbotako in Ondo State, on his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The Ooni described Ibrahim, who holds academic qualifications from leading global institutions including University of Cambridge, London School of Economics and Political Science and University of Oxford, as well prepared for the responsibilities associated with the role.

While acknowledging the Yoruba sons among the newly appointed envoys, the monarch extended his congratulations to all the ambassadors and diplomatic representatives selected by the federal government.

He said their appointments represent a call to national service and urged them to deploy their experience and exposure to advance Nigeria’s strategic interests across the global stage.

The Ooni expressed confidence that the diplomats possess the competence required to strengthen Nigeria’s international relations, attract investment and enhance the country’s global reputation.

He also commended President Tinubu for what he described as a commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s diplomatic corps through the appointment of capable and experienced individuals.

According to the monarch, placing qualified Nigerians in strategic diplomatic positions will strengthen the country’s engagement with the international community and support broader national development objectives.

Ogunwusi expressed optimism that the new ambassadors would contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s foreign policy goals and help deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation with countries and global institutions.