Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, says only very few people have the leadership qualities Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation.

Enitan said this on Monday when Amaechi, a presidential hopeful, visited his palace at Ife, Osun state.

The Ooni said for the past 23 years, Amaechi has been relevant, adding that God has favoured him.

“With the roll out of your resume, how many of you like that in Nigeria? Very few. For the last 23 years of this Republic, you have been relevant. Power belongs to God, it’s not by your might, it’s not by your power, nor by your doing,” the minister’s media office quoted him as saying.

“In terms of leadership, it is God that gives power, and if you look at your history, for the last 23 years, you have actually gone through the rank and file. You are not the only one in this country, but God has actually found in your favour, and by the very special grace of God, has the interest of this country at heart. It is very important. I know you are a fervent and hard believer of God Almighty, anything you do, you pray to God. Don’t relent, do not relent, keep praying to God.

“Leadership is stewardship. You’ve been to different leadership positions from different strata. In terms of governance, you’ve seen it all. But the one that you’re trying to aspire now, by the very special grace of God, it’s God that will take you there. We are praying for you from the throne of Oduduwa. On this throne of our ancestors God will continue to guide you, God will continue to see you through, God will continue to favour you, honour you and put you through in everything you do.

“God will continue to honour you in your words, in your thoughts, in your actions. Everything you lay your hand upon will continue to prosper. God will guide you, guard you and see you through. You will never regret why you came out to show selfless service for this country. God will guide you right. Please remember this country for good, remember the goodness that can come out of this country, remember that you will continue to serve for good, not for your own interests.

“By virtue of how God has shown you mercy, give mercy back to the public, show mercy back to Nigerians. You have to be selfless, give your best, even if it’s going to cost you everything that you are, keep doing what you’re supposed to do.”

On his part, Amaechi said he is experienced in managing the country through “this difficult time”.

“If you don’t lead properly, they’ll remove you. I’ve led my equals twice, as chairman of the conference of speakers and as chairman of Governors Forum which was very turbulent when there was a sharp disagreement between the governors and the then president. So I’m experienced enough to manage the country at this difficult time,” he said.

“Age will not be an issue. I am like a bridge between the young and the old. People have asked me why I ran round the stadium, I was checking to see how fit I am, so I had to run round the stadium to confirm to myself that I’m strong enough to carry the problems of the country, whether it is mentally or physically, because you need both mental capacity and physical fitness to manage this country.

“You have to be physically strong and have the mental capacity to make decisions on behalf of the country.”