The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his Kogi state counterpart, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, as the most humble governors Nigeria has produced.
This was contained in a statement issued in Benin City by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, which said Ooni made the remarks when the Edo governor paid a courtesy visit to the monarch at his palace in Ile-Ife.
According to the statement, the monarch commended Okpebholo and Ododo for their simplicity, humility and accessibility despite the high offices they occupy.
The Ooni, it said, noted that the two governors had distinguished themselves by remaining connected to ordinary citizens and refusing to allow their positions to create barriers between them and the people they govern.
“These two governors are the most humble governors we have ever produced in Nigeria,” the monarch was quoted as saying.
Ebojele said the Ooni further described the two governors as “Omoluabi par excellence”, linking their leadership style to the Yoruba cultural ideal of good character, integrity, discipline, respect and responsibility.
The monarch, according to the statement, urged Governor Okpebholo to sustain the qualities that have distinguished him, stressing that simplicity and humility remained essential attributes of effective leadership.
He also commended Okpebholo’s relationship with the people, saying the impact being recorded by the Edo and Kogi governors was connected to their ability to remain humble, accessible and responsive to citizens.