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Olowo of Owo Hails President Tinubu Over Appointment of Dr. Charles Akinola as Pioneer SWDC Managing Director
The Olowo of Owo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye II, has expressed profound satisfaction and commendation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, regarding the recent appointment of Dr. Charles Akinola as the Managing Director of the newly established South West Development Commission (SWDC).
The monarch joins an expanding roster of prominent Yoruba traditional rulers and leaders who have welcomed the decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with great enthusiasm.
President Tinubu, on May 8th, 2025, appointed Dr. Akinola—a distinguished public policy advisor, development strategist, and governance expert with over three decades of extensive experience—as the pioneer head of the commission.
Dr. Akinola’s career spans multiple sectors, including public service, international development, and strategic governance, with a particular emphasis on agricultural development, sustainable economic growth, and policy implementation across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
In an exclusive conversation with Leadership, Oba Ogunoye described the appointment as “putting a square peg in a square hole,” a Yoruba idiom signifying the ideal match between a person’s qualifications and the responsibilities of an office.
He lauded President Tinubu for his foresight and commitment to regional development, affirming that Dr. Akinola’s wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience would prove instrumental in driving meaningful change across the South West geopolitical zone.
“The appointment of Dr. Akinola, I believe, is in the right direction,” the Olowo remarked. “Dr. Akinola is a square peg in a square hole. He’s eminently qualified, and going by his experiences over the years—his training, and his political experience—I believe it is gratifying that such a wonderful personality has been found worthy by President Tinubu for appointment as the MD of SWDC.”
Oba Ogunoye further highlighted Dr. Akinola’s sterling personal qualities, stating that his character, educational background, and longstanding dedication to development issues make him a trustworthy steward of the region’s socio-economic aspirations.
“Dr. Akinola is a man of good character, of good learning, and he is fully committed to the progress of the Yoruba people. This appointment is not just a professional duty—it is a call to serve, and I have no doubt that he will offer selfless and impactful service for the overall benefit of our people.”
The monarch also noted that beyond Dr. Akinola’s academic and professional qualifications, his political insight and established network will serve as an asset to the Commission, enabling it to harness strategic partnerships and unlock developmental opportunities across the South West states.
“Given this appointment,” the monarch continued, “I believe he will be all out to serve the good people of Yoruba land. This is a call for service, and I know that he will give selfless service for the benefit of the people of Yoruba land. I know he will surely use his political connections for our benefit.”
The South West Development Commission was recently established to serve as a catalyst for infrastructural development, economic revitalisation, and social transformation in the South West region of Nigeria.
As its inaugural Managing Director, Dr. Akinola is expected to lay the foundation for a robust and visionary agenda that will reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage, economic potential, and aspirations for inclusive growth.
With traditional leaders like Oba Ogunoye lending their royal support and goodwill, there is widespread optimism that the Commission, under Dr. Akinola’s leadership, will live up to its promise of delivering impactful and transformative development across Yoruba land.