A Political Science scholar at the University of Ilorin, Professor Emmanuel Olugbade Ojo, has urged Nigeria to discard its current constitutional structure and embrace a new federal system that truly reflects the spirit of democracy, fairness, and development.
Delivering the University’s 291st Inaugural Lecture, titled “The Worship of an Unknown Deity,” Prof. Ojo described Nigeria’s present federal arrangement as structurally defective and politically paralyzed, attributing the crisis to the military origin of the 1999 Constitution, which, he said, “lacks the consent of the people and contradicts the principles of true federalism.”
The scholar lamented that the country’s system has created what he termed “federal stagnation” — a state of political inertia, poor governance, and uneven development across the nation.
He therefore called for a brand-new Federal Constitution, to be drafted through a Referendum or Constituent Assembly with members directly elected by Nigerians. “A people-driven process is the only path to rebuilding a federation that works for all,” he declared.
Prof. Ojo also stressed the importance of power devolution, urging that more authority and resources be transferred to the states and local governments. “The sooner this happens, the better for national stability,” he said, noting that local councils must be reactivated to serve as viable units of governance.
He further recommended the repeal of the Land Use Act, which he described as unjust to resource-endowed communities. “The current system robs Peter to pay Paul,” he said, adding that resource control and royalty management should be restructured to promote equity.
Highlighting the need for true federal character in job creation and infrastructure development, Prof. Ojo said this would reduce spatial inequality and promote unity.
He also advocated for a redefinition of citizenship, proposing that individuals who have lived in a community for at least ten years should enjoy full civic rights, regardless of their state of origin.
The scholar maintained that Nigeria’s salvation lies in a non-centralised federation where the states are politically strong, financially independent, and accountable to their citizens.
He concluded that “a truly federal Nigeria will produce confident and self-reliant sub-national governments capable of driving development from the grassroots.”
The lecture, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, attracted academics, policymakers, and students who hailed Prof. Ojo for his thought-provoking insights on Nigeria’s governance challenges.
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