Ooni of Ife Praises Tinubu’s Immigration Reforms During Diplomatic Passport Renewal Visit

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), has publicly commended the Federal Government’s immigration reforms during a visit to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja. The revered monarch was at the NIS on Wednesday to renew his diplomatic passport, a process he completed amid a warm reception from the service’s leadership.

The visit, disclosed in a statement issued by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, confirmed that the Ooni was received by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, alongside other senior officials of the service. The statement emphasised that the monarch’s visit was marked by cordial interactions and a clear recognition of the reforms being implemented within the service.

During the visit, the Ooni used the opportunity to praise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service for the transformational policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed appreciation for policies aimed at strengthening migration management, improving border governance, and enhancing service delivery across the immigration system.

According to the statement, the monarch’s commendation reflects a growing acknowledgment of the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition the NIS through institutional reforms and modernisation initiatives. The Ooni highlighted the importance of these reforms in ensuring the nation’s borders are better managed and the immigration system is more efficient.

The NIS has, in recent months, announced several reforms as part of its ongoing transformation. These include the digitalisation of passport services, the introduction of improved border surveillance systems, and the restructuring of migration management processes. These measures are being carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Ooni’s praise is seen as a significant endorsement of the government’s efforts, especially given his influence as a traditional ruler and national figure. His support for the reforms aligns with the government’s goal of improving institutional efficiency, curbing irregular migration, and strengthening national security through better border management.

The visit also underscores the growing relationship between traditional institutions and government agencies in Nigeria. By publicly endorsing the reforms, the Ooni reiterated the role of traditional leadership in supporting national policies that promote governance, security, and development.