The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday praised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as his humble and people-centred approach to governance.
According to a statement by Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the monarch spoke when the Edo governor, accompanied by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, paid him a courtesy visit at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Welcoming the governors, the Ooni said their humility and simplicity distinguished them from many of their contemporaries, adding that they had remained connected to ordinary Nigerians despite holding high public offices.
“We are very honoured and privileged to receive the two governors in the palace. The entire Yoruba race is happy and delighted to have governors with such rare characteristics,” the monarch said.
He described humility as a key attribute of effective leadership, saying both governors had demonstrated qualities worthy of emulation.
“These two governors are the most humble governors we have ever produced in Nigeria. Everything about them is humility and simplicity. They are very humble, easy-going and amiable.
“I have watched them closely—their disposition, mannerisms and simplicity. They don’t carry themselves because of the high offices they occupy. They are down-to-earth and well connected to ordinary people,” he said.
