The importance of collaboration between leaders and stakeholders in shaping the future of Nigeria has again been reiterated as the process towards amending the 1999 constitution continues to gain momentum.
Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide (Odidiomo), member representing Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West federal constituency in the House of Representatives and the representative of Oyo state on the Constitution amendment committee stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande, Chairman, West Midland Communications, owners of Splash FM/Lagelu FM, at felele, his Ibadan residence over the weekend.
A statement by Tolu Mustapha, Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs to Hon. Olajide, the chairman, House committee on Digital and Information Communication revealed that ongoing efforts at entrenching a people centred constitution which will be tailored round the needs of the people necessitated the visit to prominent sons and daughters of Oyo state to seek their opinion on the amendment process.
Hon. Olajide informed Oba Adebayo Akande, that he represents Oyo State on the Constitution Review Committee and that he is in Ibadan to seek the input, opinion, and contributions of prominent son’s and daughters of Oyo state on the ongoing debate on the constitutional amendment process.
Responding, Oba Adebayo Akande, emphasized the importance of regionalization, stating that state creation can follow later.
He praised the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, recalling his good deeds and the impact of his free education policy, which has produced many professors and other top professionals across the country till date.
He attributed the development of Oyo state to the then regionalization and noted that Awolowo’s only mistake was asking the region to join the federal government, which he failed to achieve.
Oba Akande further stated that Awolowo did not foresee the military takeover and that his development efforts in Lagos State are still evident till today.
He reiterated his belief in regionalization, which he said will address existing lapses, and state creation can follow thereafter.
Oba Akande also highlighted the importance of the seaport, which has extended to Cotonou, as a significant benefit for the West.
Hon. Olajide appreciated Oba Adebayo Akande’s insightful contributions and assured him that his inputs would be considered in the constitutional amendment process.
