By Uche Onyeali
Some prominent personalities in the South-West geopolitical zone have formed the Omo Odùduwà Collective, a platform of Yoruba men and women drawn from the academia, business, the professions, public service and culture, united by commitment to the future of Yorubaland and Nigeria.
This was made known in a statement yesterday in Lagos, jointly signed by the convener of the group, Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde; Mr Kazeem Olasupo as Secretary; Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Dele Farotimi; Dr Adeolu Oyekan, Dr Olasunkanmi Olapeju; Mr Samuel Adebisi and Mr Kayode Ogundamisi.
The group said it arose from a profound sense of historical responsibility, believing Nigeria had reached a critical moment when silence is no longer a virtue and citizens must speak honestly about the condition of the nation and values that should guide its future.
It noted that the purpose of the group was neither ethnic antagonism nor partisan opposition, adding that they seek a Nigeria founded on justice, fairness, accountability, competence and respect for diversity.
According to the group, the Yoruba people have a responsibility to contribute to national renewal, not through ethnic triumphalism, but through principled and moral leadership.
It said the Omo Odùduwà Collective was not a political party, adding that it is a platform for reflection, dialogue, advocacy, research, and civic engagement.
They pledged commitment to defend the ethical foundations of public life and ensure that future generations inherit a society where truth, integrity, and justice remain stronger than power, expediency or ethnic loyalty.
“For generations, the Yoruba people earned respect through their commitment to truth, education, democratic engagement, accountability and social progress.
“Leaders were judged not by the praise they attracted, but by the welfare they delivered. Criticism was not regarded as disloyalty, but as a necessary instrument of accountability.
“We are concerned that these values are increasingly being displaced by a political culture marked by opportunism, intolerance of dissent, ethnic chauvinism and the normalisation of unaccountable power.
“Equally troubling is the growing attempt to portray criticism of government as hostility to the Yoruba people.
“Such a position is contrary to Yoruba history and political culture, which have always encouraged robust debate and independent thinking,” the group said.
According to them, after closely observing the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the last three years, they acknowledged that many of Nigeria’s challenges predate the present administration.
“Millions of Nigerians today face severe economic hardship, rising costs of living, declining purchasing power, food insecurity, unemployment and growing uncertainty about the future.
“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.
“Economic policies must be judged not only by statistics and projections, but by their impact on human lives.
“As the nation approaches the 2027 electoral cycle, we urge the political class to focus less on politics and more on rescuing the Nigerian state. We believe urgent national consensus is required on a number of critical issues,” it posited.
The group called for constitutional restructuring, saying Nigeria’s diversity cannot continue to be managed through excessive centralisation.
It said genuine federalism, devolution of powers, fiscal federalism and greater autonomy for states remain essential to national stability and progress.
It also drew attention to insecurity, noting that the current centralised security architecture has proved inadequate against the growing threats of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes.
The group said they support the establishment of constitutionally regulated state policing structures alongside broader investments in education, job creation and economic inclusion.
On the economy, it urged government to prioritise policies that would create jobs, support businesses, stimulate production and restore hope, especially among young Nigerians.
“We are equally concerned by the widening disconnect between the suffering of citizens and the conduct of many public officials.
“At a time of widespread hardship, government must demonstrate empathy, fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability, and anti-corruption agencies must be seen to pursue corruption at all levels without fear or favour,” he concluded.
