Adebanjo Criticizes Tinubu, Akande, and Osoba for Failing to Deliver True Federalism and Change the Constitution in 1999

Elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain Ayo Adebanjo criticized President Bola Tinubu, former Governors Bisi Akande and Segun Osoba, and their colleagues who were South-West Governors in 1999, for failing to deliver true federalism and change the constitution when they had the opportunity to do so.

Adebanjo pointed out that the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere had been advocating for a Sovereign National Conference in the buildup to the 1999 election, as they believed that the military should return to the barracks with their constitution and allow the people to decide how they wanted to live together.

He added that the group had agreed to participate in the 1999 election on the condition that there would be a Sovereign National Conference afterward to address the issues of federalism and constitutional change.

However, according to Adebanjo, the governors, including Bola Tinubu, chickened out and were more interested in the “paraphernalia of office” than in delivering on their promises to the people.

He emphasized that this was the beginning of Nigeria’s struggle and that the country is still dealing with the consequences of their failure to insist on a new constitution and true federalism.

Adebanjo believes that a brand-new people’s constitution would help to address some of the existential problems in the country, particularly the menace of insecurity, by allowing for state police.

He added that President Tinubu now has the opportunity to rewrite the 1999 Constitution and deliver on the promises of federalism that he failed to insist on as Lagos governor in 1999.

The elder statesman’s comments highlight the ongoing debate over the need for constitutional reform in Nigeria and the importance of political leaders following through on their promises to the people.