Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland and National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), has called for true federalism in Nigeria, describing it as essential for the country's accelerated development.

Speaking at the 25th OPC June 12 Lecture in Lagos on Thursday, Adams emphasized that without true federalism and proper restructuring, Nigeria would struggle to take its rightful place among nations.

"We are all gathered here today not only to honour the memory of Aare Abiola and others who died between 1993 and 1998, but to also tell ourselves some bitter truth," Adams stated. "Nigeria is going through various crises today because some leaders are stubbornly against restructuring."

The Call for Restructuring

Adams was unequivocal about the necessity for change, declaring: "In honour of Abiola and other martyrs, I want to say it pointedly that whether anybody likes it or not, this country will be restructured. And the earlier this is done, the better for all of us because there is no way we can guarantee peace and security if this country is not restructured."

He argued that decentralized security control would significantly reduce the wanton killings of Nigerians, adding that June 12 should serve as a catalyst for national development through political, economic, electoral, and judicial reforms.

Reflecting on the 32 years since the historic June 12, 1993 election, which he described as a watershed in Nigeria's political history, Adams lamented that the country has not made the desired progress due to the absence of true federalism.

Falana's Perspective on Constitutional Reform

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, delivered the keynote address, identifying the 1999 Constitution as a major setback for the country. Represented by Mr. Wale Adeoye, Falana emphasized that the military-drafted constitution cannot actualize the aspirations of Nigerians in a democracy.

"This is a major setback for Nigeria and there is no way we can talk about stability, progress and development," Falana stated, highlighting the significance of June 12 as a demonstration of courage, resilience, and the determination of Nigerians to organize beyond ethnic divisions.

Falana commended Adams for his dedication to the actualization of June 12 and noted that many pro-democracy activists were killed during the struggle. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to address the national question in light of the poverty and insecurity plaguing the country.

Both leaders agreed that meaningful progress in Nigeria requires fundamental changes to the country's governance structure, with true federalism and a new constitution being central to this transformation.

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