Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere, has encouraged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reorganize Nigeria, insisting that it will address the difficulties confronting the South-West.
Dr Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission; Mr Olusola Adekanola, Chairman of Voice of Reason, and Dr Segun Aina are among the other Yoruba leaders.
The leaders presented at the VOR’s Goke Omisore Annual Lecture (GOAL2023), titled “South-West Regional Integration: The Dawn Commission Approach,” in Lagos.
Underdevelopment, religious and ethnic discord, abandonment of the omoluabi ethos, and social media ridicule of traditional institutions are among the difficulties confronting the South-West, according to Yoruba elders.
Pa Adebanjo stated at the occasion, “The real cause of our problem is federalism and a lack of regional autonomy, which is why the DAWN Commission is asking questions.
“Let me state unequivocally that we have not outdone the efforts of our predecessors. We can progress, but not under this constitution.
“We were brought together against our will by colonialists. At the time, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo advised the colonial overlords that a unitary system of government could not control Nigeria.
“All the theories that Awolowo spoke against are still being practised today. Let us forget aggrandisement. Let the President change the constitution to a federal system, where each region would develop at its own pace.”
On his part, the Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Dr Oyeleye, said: “From our vantage point at the DAWN Commission, we should focus on three constitutional changes now.
“They include state police, amendment of the revenue sharing formula, and the introduction of a clause to allow states to collaborate for development purposes.
“If we achieve these three, we will have unlocked the next growth phase of Nigeria. I know these proposals are risky ventures – from a capitalist perspective that most of us subscribe to.
“But then, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I admit that implementing and actualising them will not be a walk in the park. But we have done it before, and we can do it again.
“Without being immodest, and to the glory of the selfless heroes who laboured at the thankless but most rewarding venture, the DAWN Commission is perhaps one of the best legacies of Yoruba nationalistic effort.”
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