The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has re-emphasized the urgent need for restructuring, describing it as the only solution to salvage structural imbalances ravaging Nigeria.
He made this statement at the 2024 edition of the Oya Festival in Kwara State.
Adams called for a return to regionalism, advocating for a system that allows regions to develop at their own pace.
He berated the current centralized structure, which grants excessive powers to the Federal Government, as detrimental to the nation’s progress.
“Restructuring remains the only alternative for Nigeria to move forward. Let us adopt regionalism as a better option that would allow the federating units to develop at their own pace,” Adams said.
The monarch, while citing examples of other African countries, outlined Senegal and Gambia as models of effective governance through regionalism.
“Senegal, with 14 regions and a population of about 17 million, enjoys stable power supply, quality infrastructure, and effective security. Its socio-economic growth has been sustained through regional development
“Gambia, with just six regions and a population of two million, thrives on tourism and taxation, ensuring economic stability and security for its citizens,” he noted.
He stressed that Nigeria, with a population of over 250 million, continues to struggle with insecurity, economic instability, and infrastructural decay.
He, therefore, urged the National Assembly and the Executive to prioritize a constitutional review, saying that restructuring is the only way to address the country’s challenges.
