Gani Adams, Others Demand Restructuring, Stronger Local Security for Nigeria’s Development

Yoruba leaders and other participants at the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) Europe Summit in Luxembourg have called for major reforms to Nigeria’s governance structure, arguing that greater autonomy for states and stronger community-based security could help address the country’s development challenges.

Among those who made the call were Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland and OPU Global Convener, Iba Gani Adams; Alagbegise of Agbegise Kingdom in Ogun State, Oba Ikudaisi Olusina; Oniselu of Odo Iselu, Oba Oladipupo Badejo; Philip Nganyandi; and Giwa Tobi of the University of Luxembourg.

The summit was held under the theme, “The Yoruba Response to Restructuring, Insecurity, and Cultural Erosion in a Struggling Federation of Nigeria.” Adams described the theme as timely, saying Nigeria’s federal system needed to be recalibrated to promote equity, justice and more effective governance.

Adams argued that the concentration of power at the federal level had contributed to inefficiency and marginalisation. He called for restructuring and what he described as true federalism, saying states should have greater autonomy to manage their affairs and resources.

“Restructuring is essential not only for equitable resource distribution but also for fostering national integration and eliminating ethnic discrimination,” Adams said.

On insecurity, Adams argued that military action alone could not resolve banditry, insurgency and kidnapping. He advocated stronger community policing, greater support for local security groups and intelligence-sharing systems that make use of knowledge available within communities.

Nganyandi, who chaired the occasion, said restructuring, insecurity and cultural erosion were closely linked and required a coordinated response. He called for constitutional reforms that would decentralise power, increase state control over resources and strengthen local governance.

Tobi, the guest speaker, also called for a closer relationship between government and citizens, security agencies and communities, as well as younger Nigerians and their cultural heritage. He argued that greater state autonomy and empowered local security structures could form part of a broader response to Nigeria’s security and governance challenges.

Traditional rulers at the summit also backed greater decentralisation. Oba Olusina said states and local governments should have the authority and resources to respond to the needs of their people, while Oba Badejo linked restructuring to the preservation of Yoruba identity.

Badejo also raised concerns over the effect of globalisation and urbanisation on indigenous languages, customs and values. He urged the government to support cultural education and promote indigenous languages in schools.

The OPU has previously advocated restructuring and stronger regional security arrangements, including greater use of localised policing and community intelligence.