Onigbinde, Ojudu, Farotimi Demand National Renewal

A group of prominent Yoruba intellectuals, professionals, activists and public figures has launched the Omo Odùduwà Collective, a new socio-political platform aimed at promoting democratic values, constitutional restructuring, accountability and national renewal.

The group, whose membership includes Prof. Akinyemi Onigbinde, former presidential adviser and Senator Babafemi Ojudu, lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, Dr Adeolu Oyekan, Dr Olasunkanmi Olapeju, Samuel Arinloye Adebisi, Kayode Ogundamisi and Kazeem Olasupo, formally announced its emergence on Tuesday.

In a statement signed by Onigbinde as convener and Kazeem Olasupo as honorary secretary, the group said it was formed out of a sense of “historical responsibility” and concern over the direction of both Yorubaland and Nigeria.

The Collective said Nigeria had reached a critical stage where citizens could no longer remain silent about the country’s challenges and the values required to shape its future.

According to the group, the Yoruba people have historically been known for their commitment to truth, education, democratic engagement, accountability and social progress, warning that those values were increasingly being eroded by what it described as a political culture characterised by opportunism, intolerance of dissent and unaccountable power.

The group also expressed concern over attempts to equate criticism of the government with hostility towards the Yoruba people, arguing that robust debate and independent thinking have always been central to Yoruba political culture.

While acknowledging that many of Nigeria’s current challenges predate the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the Collective said governments must be held accountable for the policies they implement and their impact on citizens.

It noted that millions of Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship, rising living costs, food insecurity, unemployment and declining purchasing power.

“The issue is not whether reforms are necessary. It is whether those reforms are pursued within a framework that places the welfare of citizens at its centre,” the statement said.

As the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the group urged political leaders to focus on addressing Nigeria’s challenges rather than engaging in premature political calculations.

The Collective identified constitutional restructuring as one of the most pressing issues confronting the country, advocating genuine federalism, devolution of powers, fiscal federalism and greater autonomy for states.

It also called for reforms in the nation’s security architecture, including the establishment of constitutionally regulated state police structures to complement existing security agencies in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

On the economy, the group urged government at all levels to prioritise policies that create jobs, support businesses, boost production and restore hope among young Nigerians.

The group further called for greater transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline in governance, insisting that anti-corruption agencies must be allowed to operate without fear or favour.