The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has renewed its call for Nigeria to return to a system of true federalism, asserting that the current structure is stifling development and local autonomy.
The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, stated that the clamour for regionalism reflects the growing desire among Nigerians for a more functional federation, where people can have greater control over their affairs and resources.
In a response to Weekend Trust inquiries, Ajayi emphasised that Nigeria’s existing governance structure does not serve the nation or its citizens well.
He argued that the current centralization of power limits the ability of states and regions to operate autonomously, which undermines the nation’s potential for growth.
He said, “any arrangement that would make Nigeria a true federation is what Afenifere affirms.”
Ajayi reiterated Afenifere’s long-standing advocacy for the restoration of federalism, as it was practiced prior to Nigeria’s independence and during the First Republic.
According to him, the pre-independence era allowed for significant autonomy among the federating units, enabling them to implement policies that were tailored to their unique needs.
He cited the Western Region as an example, noting its progressive education system and its ability to appoint a representative to the United Kingdom to advance its regional interests.
“Afenifere has been consistent in its advocacy for Nigeria to return to actual federalism in its true sense, as was practiced prior to the nation’s independence and in the First Republic.
At that time, each federating unit was autonomous to the extent that it evolved and executed policies suitable for its purpose,” Ajayi explained.
The Western Region’s education system, he noted, differed from those of the Eastern and Northern Regions, showcasing the flexibility that existed under true federalism.
“The Western Region was able to have its own distinct education program, including a six-year primary education, modern school, and specialized teacher education, unlike the Eastern and Northern Regions,” Ajayi said.
Ajayi clarified that regionalism is not necessarily opposed to the restructuring that Afenifere has been advocating.
He noted that regionalism could coexist with the current states while allowing for greater local control and coordination on major policy issues.
“Regionalism has a lot of benefits in that it promotes the pooling of resources, especially among people of similar culture and values,” Ajayi said.
He further explained that under a regional system, states could collaborate on issues such as education, agriculture, and transportation, while maintaining their autonomy in local matters.
He also dismissed fears that regionalism could lead to the domination of one state over others, explaining that leadership within a region would rotate among the constituent states, ensuring fairness.
“Each state would have its turn as Premier or Chancellor, meaning that no single state would dominate the region’s leadership,” he noted.
Ajayi concluded by calling for a national debate on the proposal to return to regionalism and a parliamentary system of government.
He suggested that the matter could be discussed in the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly, and through public discourse.
“The consensus arrived at would then be the choice to make,” he said, emphasizing the importance of reaching a collective decision on Nigeria’s governance structure.
Afenifere’s position reflects growing dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s unitary system, which critics argue has concentrated power in the federal government, limiting the potential for regional development.
The group continues to push for reforms that would devolve more powers to the states, allowing for greater participation and innovation at the local level.
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