Tradition met statecraft in Abuja on Wednesday as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), visited the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to renew his diplomatic passport, using the moment to commend the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the immigration sector. The royal visit drew attention not only for its symbolism, but also for the monarch’s public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to modernise border management and service delivery.
The revered monarch was received by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, alongside members of the service’s management team, in what officials described as a cordial and high level engagement. The visit underscored the growing collaboration between traditional institutions and government agencies in promoting national development and global representation.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the Immigration Service confirmed that the Ooni formally completed the renewal process at the headquarters. The statement noted that the monarch was warmly welcomed by top officials, reflecting the agency’s commitment to efficiency, professionalism and respect for national institutions.
Observers say the visit also highlights the Ooni’s increasing role as a cultural ambassador, whose international engagements require seamless diplomatic documentation. With his renewed passport, the monarch is expected to continue representing Nigeria’s cultural heritage on the global stage, while lending his voice to governance reforms aimed at strengthening public service delivery.