The Ekiti Council of Elders issued a stark warning on Friday, 6 November 2026 in Ado‑Ekiti that rampant corruption and wasteful expenditure are crippling Nigeria’s development, and called on political leaders nationwide to adopt integrity, accountability and responsible governance.
What were the main concerns raised?
- Council Secretary Bayo Orire, speaking at the launch of the second Joel Babatola Annual Lecture Series, said honesty has become a rare commodity in the country’s political arena.
- He noted that individuals who oppose corruption are often dismissed as lacking political savvy, while public office is increasingly viewed as a route to personal enrichment.
- Orire highlighted the high cost of governance, lavish lifestyles of office‑holders and the poor execution of public projects as clear signs of systemic rot.
- “Many communities still lack industries, adequate infrastructure and meaningful agricultural development despite huge public expenditure,” he asserted.
How does the council view security reforms?
- The secretary praised President Bola Tinubu’s strategy of decentralising the military and other security agencies, describing it as a sensible move that reduces the risk of a single‑point attack on the nation.
- He added that spreading critical security infrastructure across regions can foster local participation, create jobs and boost economic opportunities.
- Orire also endorsed the creation of state police forces and the expanding role of community vigilante groups, calling them vital tools in combating kidnapping and other crimes.
What is the broader context behind the lecture series?
- Council Chairman Olufemi Adewumi earlier emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges and fragile unity—fuelled by mutual distrust, religious differences and ethnic divisions—make responsible leadership more urgent than ever.
- The council, composed of individuals committed to patriotism and integrity, aims to promote national cohesion and assist in solving the country’s pressing problems.
- The annual lecture honours the legacy of Joel Babatola, whose life exemplified honesty, selflessness and dedication to public service, and serves as a model for rebuilding public confidence and strengthening democratic institutions.
- This year’s theme, “The Paradox of Nationhood: The Struggle for Reinventing Nigeria’s Security Architecture,” reflects the council’s focus on both governance reforms and security restructuring.
In summary, the Ekiti elders called for an end to corruption and waste, lauded recent security decentralisation efforts, and urged leaders to emulate the principled example set by Joel Babatola to revive Nigeria’s development trajectory.