Onigbinde, Ojudu, Farotimi Launch Omo Odùduwà Collective, Call For National Renewal

A coalition of prominent Yoruba leaders, professionals, academics and civil society advocates has launched a new socio-civic platform known as the Omo Odùduwà Collective, with a mission to promote accountability, democratic values and national renewal in Nigeria.

The group, which includes respected public figures such as Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde, former presidential adviser Senator Babafemi Ojudu and human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, formally announced its emergence in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Other signatories to the declaration include Dr. Adeolu Oyekan, Dr. Olasunkanmi Olapeju, Samuel Adebisi, Kayode Ogundamisi and Kazeem Olasupo.

According to the group, the collective was formed by concerned Yoruba men and women drawn from various sectors of society who believe Nigeria has reached a critical point requiring honest reflection and courageous leadership.

The organisation said its primary objective is not ethnic mobilisation or partisan politics but the promotion of justice, accountability, competence, fairness and democratic governance.

In its founding declaration titled “Omo Odùduwà Collective: A Call to Conscience, Justice and National Renewal,” the group argued that the Yoruba people have historically contributed to Nigeria’s democratic development through principled leadership and a commitment to truth.

The statement lamented what it described as the gradual erosion of those values in contemporary politics.

According to the collective, public discourse is increasingly characterised by intolerance of dissent, political opportunism, ethnic chauvinism and the normalisation of unaccountable governance.

The group expressed concern over what it described as growing attempts to equate criticism of government policies with hostility towards the Yoruba people.

Such a position, it argued, runs contrary to the historical tradition of robust debate, intellectual independence and civic engagement that has long defined Yoruba political culture.

While acknowledging that many of Nigeria’s current challenges predate the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the collective said the country is facing severe socio-economic difficulties that require urgent attention.

The group pointed to rising inflation, declining purchasing power, food insecurity, unemployment and widespread hardship as indicators of a deepening national crisis.

It argued that economic reforms should not be judged solely by projections and macroeconomic indicators but by their impact on the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

“The issue is not whether reforms are necessary. The issue is whether they are pursued within a framework that places citizens at the centre,” the statement noted.

As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the organisation urged political leaders to focus less on political calculations and more on addressing the country’s structural challenges.

One of the key recommendations advanced by the group is constitutional restructuring.

The collective argued that Nigeria’s diversity can no longer be effectively managed through excessive centralisation of powers at the federal level.

It advocated genuine federalism, devolution of powers, fiscal autonomy and greater authority for state governments as pathways to national stability and development.

The organisation also highlighted the worsening security situation across the country, arguing that the current centralised policing system has struggled to respond effectively to threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent crime.

To address these concerns, the group expressed support for constitutionally regulated state police structures operating alongside federal security agencies.

On economic development, the collective called for policies that encourage entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities and stimulate productive sectors of the economy, particularly for young Nigerians.

The group further urged government officials to demonstrate greater empathy, transparency and fiscal discipline at a time when many citizens are experiencing economic hardship.

It also called on anti-corruption agencies to enforce accountability without political bias or selective application of the law.

Describing itself as a platform for dialogue, advocacy, research and civic engagement rather than a political party, the Omo Odùduwà Collective pledged to continue promoting ethical leadership and democratic values.

The group said it intends to serve as a voice for responsible governance and ensure that future generations inherit a nation where justice, truth and accountability remain stronger than political expediency.

As conversations around governance, restructuring and national identity intensify ahead of 2027, the emergence of the Omo Odùduwà Collective is likely to add a new dimension to debates about Nigeria’s future direction.