By Lawani Mikairu
Ondo indigenes residing within and outside the state have called on the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to replicate his achievements at the federal level by taking a leadership role in the state after the current administration.
The appeal was made in Lagos by a prominent Ondo indigene, Mr. Saka Ola Ahmed, who spoke with journalists on the economic and political development of the state.
Ahmed said the call was driven by what he described as the minister’s “unprecedented achievements” in office, adding that many stakeholders believe he is well-positioned to drive development in Ondo State.
According to him, “the unprecedented achievements recorded so far in the Ministry of Interior by the minister make him the most suitable person to facilitate the development of Ondo, where he is from.”
He added that feedback from various community associations in the state indicates a growing consensus on the matter, noting that he has attended several meetings where the same sentiment was expressed.
Ahmed said, “I have attended several meetings and gatherings in the state where this general desire was expressed.”
Tunji-Ojo, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency, was appointed Minister of Interior by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023.
His ministry oversees the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Fire Service.
Since his appointment, the minister has been credited with several reforms, including the digitisation of passport applications, deployment of airport e-gates, and efforts to clear passport backlogs.
In the correctional service, initiatives under his leadership have reportedly focused on decongestion of custodial centres, including payment of fines for inmates held over minor offences, as well as facility upgrades.
He has also pursued reforms aimed at strengthening border security, improving intelligence coordination, and enhancing the protection of critical national infrastructure through security agencies under his supervision.
Before his ministerial appointment, Tunji-Ojo served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and was re-elected in 2023 before resigning to join the Federal Executive Council.
Ahmed said political stakeholders in Ondo believe the minister can replicate his leadership style and reforms at the state level to accelerate development.
