… Aiyedatiwa Advocates True Federalism In National Address

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa called for comprehensive constitutional amendments to reflect Nigeria’s socio-economic realities. Speaking at a public lecture in Akure, Aiyedatiwa argued that true federalism and a restructured revenue-sharing formula are essential for national development. He proposed devolving more powers to states, including control over natural resources and policing, to address regional disparities.

The governor urged the National Assembly to prioritize reforms that align with public aspirations, citing Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution as outdated. Aiyedatiwa’s remarks were part of a broader consultation with traditional rulers and community leaders in Ondo, aimed at building consensus for constitutional change. The state government established a committee to collate public views, with a report to be submitted to the National Assembly by August. Aiyedatiwa emphasized that Ondo’s agricultural and oil resources could drive economic growth if states had greater autonomy.

The governor directed local government chairmen to hold town hall meetings to gather input from rural communities. The call for reform aligns with similar demands from southern groups like Afenifere, which have long advocated for restructuring. Aiyedatiwa also urged the Federal Government to address revenue allocation disputes, particularly for oil-producing states like Ondo. The state’s House of Assembly passed a resolution supporting the governor’s stance, calling for a national conference to draft a new constitution.

The initiative has sparked nationwide discussions, with stakeholders in Abuja and Port Harcourt expressing support for federalism. Aiyedatiwa’s push reflects growing regional demands for governance reform, with implications for Nigeria’s political stability ahead of 2027.