Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has asserted that leaders and stakeholders across Nigeria must achieve a unified consensus regarding federalism to ensure it yields the intended outcomes and aligns with the foundational vision set by the nation's early leaders, particularly the first Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The governor shared these views over the weekend at the 2026 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Lecture, which took place at the Efunyela Hall within the Obafemi Awolowo Residence in Ikenne, Ogun State. This was communicated in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and subsequently shared with journalists in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Makinde lauded Chief Awolowo for his foresight, his principled stance on federalism, and his astute leadership, suggesting that subsequent national leaders grew complacent.
"Indeed, we have become complacent over the years. Chief Awolowo, before addressing any challenge, would meticulously examine the available data, the underlying logic, and the relevant scientific principles. These were the instruments he employed in decision-making. Today, however, leadership often involves making decisions based on political considerations or simply because it seems expedient," he observed.
The governor further stated that he is following in the footsteps of the revered statesman. "If you examine Chief Awolowo's core programmes, you will find education, health, and economic emancipation. If you add security to these, you will see that this is precisely what we are implementing in Oyo State."
Highlighting that federalism is the most suitable governance model for Nigeria, given its diverse nature, Makinde stressed the imperative for its leaders to unite and direct their focus towards the nation's future rather than its current difficulties, necessitating an elite consensus.
He defined elite consensus as a state where the ruling class and political decision-makers achieve unanimous agreement on long-term objectives for national stability, policy direction, and the preservation of the existing system.
Makinde warned that without such a consensus, Nigeria could face significantly tougher times in the decades ahead. "Yes, I concur that true federalism is the appropriate path forward. However, an elite consensus is essential. We must all come together. Our focus should shift from contemplating the next election to planning for the next generation.
"Two African nations have navigated extremely challenging circumstances, arguably more so than Nigeria. I have engaged in discussions with some of our former military leaders.
"Some of them served in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of United Nations contingents. One recounted his experience there in 1960, while another recalled being there in 1961.
"Let's fast forward from 1960 to 2026, a period of 66 years. Both former military leaders were involved in peacekeeping operations when rebels took control of Eastern DRC following the assassination of Patrice Lumumba.
"Now, in December of last year, I observed on television the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC signing a peace agreement, as rebels continued to operate in Eastern DRC. This situation has persisted for 65 years.
"If we fail to address our situation in Nigeria, we may find ourselves in the same predicament 100 years from now, as history has shown us elsewhere.
"Consider another scenario: Rwanda endured a genocide, with nearly a million people killed in 1994. Yet, if I were to ask anyone in this room today which country they would most likely transit through to reach Asia, it would probably be Rwanda, because they confronted their challenges head-on. They revitalized their nation, and now it is a preferred transit point. Therefore, we must emulate Rwanda's actions if we desire a change in our national trajectory."
The memorial lecture was attended by notable figures including former governors Gbenga Daniel and Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Salako; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; the Founding Member and Executive Director of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; the chairman of the occasion, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; a patron of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; and Hon. Ladi Adebutu, among other distinguished guests.
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