Prominent Osun State traditional ruler, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Odundun IV, has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, for Nigeria’s remarkable return to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
Nigeria secured a coveted Category C seat for the 2026–2027 biennium following elections held in London last Friday, marking the country’s first appearance on the council in fourteen years.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jimoh Olorede, Oba Odundun IV applauded Oyetola’s exemplary leadership and strategic diplomacy, describing the victory as a testament to the minister’s outstanding capability and vision.
He noted that Nigeria’s re-election into the IMO Council not only enhances the country’s global maritime profile but also signals renewed international confidence in its governance and maritime reforms.
The monarch highlighted the significance of the achievement in the context of Nigeria’s long absence from the council, emphasising that the outcome reflects Oyetola’s rigorous engagement with international maritime partners and his determination to reposition the nation within the global maritime community.
Oba Odundun IV further praised the minister for breaking what he described as the long-standing “jinx” surrounding the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF). Established in 2003 to boost indigenous participation in maritime trade, the fund had remained inaccessible to intended beneficiaries for two decades.
He stated that under Oyetola’s stewardship, long-awaited disbursement processes have been revived, paving the way for vessel procurement support, enhanced local shipping capacity, reduced dependence on foreign vessels, job creation and overall maritime sector growth.
Reflecting on Oyetola’s public service record, the Aragbiji recalled the formidable financial challenges the minister faced during his tenure as Governor of Osun State. He observed that despite inheriting a sizeable debt burden and operating with limited monthly federal allocations, Oyetola demonstrated remarkable fiscal discipline by repaying nearly ₦100 billion in four years while maintaining essential government functions.
The monarch expressed immense pride in the minister’s continuous accomplishments, stating that Oyetola’s role in leading Nigeria’s successful IMO campaign has reinforced international trust in the country and in President Tinubu’s administration.
He described the minister’s efforts as a display of resilience, courage and patriotic commitment, which have once again brought honour to Osun State and to Nigeria as a whole.
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