Femi Ashekun/
Yoruba leaders and stakeholders have called for greater unity among South West states, constitutional reform and a renewed commitment to the ethical values they said shaped the region’s progressive political tradition.
They spoke on Friday at the centenary lecture held in honour of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, at the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos.
The event brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, academics, religious leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate Fasoranti’s 100 years and reflect on his contribution to Yoruba and Nigerian public life.
Delivering the first lecture, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu argued that Nigeria’s political and governance problems were rooted not only in weak institutions but also in an erosion of values.
“At the heart of Yoruba ethics lies Iwa,” he said. “In Yoruba philosophy, a person’s worth is not judged by how much money he has but by the content of his character.”
Using the examples of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Fasoranti, Ladigbolu said character was central to enduring political leadership.
“History offers hidden explanations for Awo’s greatness and imperishable legacy. Simply put, Awo endures because he had character,” he said.
He called for a Yoruba ethical renaissance based on Iwa, Omoluabi, Ajose and Otito, representing character, moral responsibility, communal cooperation and truth.
Ladigbolu also urged the elders to take responsibility for transmitting those values to younger generations and proposed an annual Chief Reuben Fasoranti Youth Dialogue on Nigeria Ethical Renaissance.
Professor Ropo Sekoni, the second lecturer, called on Afenifere to sustain its advocacy for constitutional reform and true federalism.
“NADECO may have helped us to get democracy. Afenifere should help us to get a great constitution for Nigeria, so that all will be truly equal,” Sekoni said.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, called for practical cooperation among South West governments, including coordinated planning, infrastructure and agricultural production.
He said such cooperation did not require constitutional amendment.
“That one doesn’t require any constitution,” Hamzat said. “It’s just governors and their team sitting together with DAWN to say, how do we link Southwest together?”
Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, said Afenifere was founded on the principle of wishing others well, while Oba Olu Falae said Fasoranti was being celebrated for the impact of his life rather than longevity.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, also commended Fasoranti’s contribution to democracy.
The event was attended by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former governors Kayode Fayemi and Olusegun Mimiko, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Lagos State GAC Chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the Olowo of Owo Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, and other dignitaries.
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