Olusegun Adeyemo
In light of the numerous challenges plaguing Nigeria, especially in governance and politics, former Oyo Assembly Deputy Speaker and prominent Christian clergyman, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, Presiding Pastor of Living Spring Chapel International, shares his candid views on restructuring, leadership, local government, and more in this exclusive interview with The Journal Nigeria’s Olusegun Adeyemo in Ibadan.
Sir, what is your opinion on the growing calls for restructuring Nigeria?
What Nigeria currently operates is a unitary system disguised as democracy. It is neither democratic nor sustainable. From 1960 to 1966, Nigeria was on the right path until the military staged a coup and dismantled our negotiated federal arrangement. What followed was the imposition of a unitary system, which has never worked and will not work. Nigeria, from inception, was built as a negotiated federation. Leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Sir Ahmadu Bello envisioned a country where regions had autonomy under a true federal structure. Even the British, reluctant as they were to grant us independence, knew this was the only viable structure for such a diverse nation.
We need to go back to that original model. Several attempts have been made to restructure the country, but nothing has changed. Take the 2014 National Conference, for example, over 600 delegates, elected and appointed, worked on an all-inclusive document, spending billions of naira. The recommendations were comprehensive and nationally agreed upon. All that was left was for it to be presented to the National Assembly for ratification, followed by a referendum. But unfortunately, the government that initiated it left office, and the incoming president openly declared he had no interest in it. The document still exists. If we are serious, we can pick it up today and move forward.
Let me be clear: Right now we need restructuring. If we continue as we are, we’ll have another election in 2027, swear in a new leader, and yet nothing will change. The same agitations and frustrations will persist.
Someone recently asked me, “What will happen in 2027?” I responded, “What have we done differently since 2023?” Nothing. So the struggle continues. The suffering continues.
Do you think local government autonomy is realistic in Nigeria?
Not under a true federal system. In fact, local governments should not even exist in the constitution. It is illogical for the federal government to run local governments, building roads or schools in villages. That’s not federalism that’s dysfunction.
During the leadership of Chief Awolowo and even as late as Bola Ige, there were no constitutionally backed local governments, yet governance was far more efficient. Today, with 36 state governments, Abuja, and 774 local governments, things are worse.
Let me say it plainly: the local government tier is the most corrupt. At a point, many local governments couldn’t even pay teachers. In a proper federal structure, states should determine their own internal governance. Centralized power only breeds waste and inefficiency.
What is your view on Christians now being installed as traditional rulers? Is there a conflict between faith and tradition?
Absolutely not. There’s no conflict between being a Christian and a traditional ruler. Unfortunately, people assume that to be a traditional ruler, one must be involved in fetish or occultic practices—that is a misconception. My only advice to any Christian seeking a traditional title is this: be transparent. Let the kingmakers and the entire community know where you stand spiritually. If they accept you for who you are, then proceed. If not, don’t compromise.
With the 2027 election still far off, why are politicians already decamping and forming coalitions?
This is the very reason we are urging God-fearing and patriotic Nigerians to participate actively in governance. Most politicians are focused on the next election, not the next generation. In Nigeria, elections are not about service; they are about power, power to steal, to loot, and to enrich oneself. That’s why politicians start campaigning years before the actual election. In truth, governance only lasts two years; the rest is politicking.
We need leaders who understand that being elected means a call to serve, not to strategize for re-election. If we don’t fix this mindset, nothing will change.
Sir, what inspired your involvement in national discourse as a church leader?
Governance is the highest earthly platform to transform the lives of people. Here at Living Spring Chapel, we engage in community service—we provide clean water, we empower locals, we build roads, and we uplift lives. But all of these are limited compared to what can be done through political leadership. Next to God’s power is political power. If there’s any reason someone should enter politics, it should be to serve humanity selflessly.
As the Bible says, “There is no power except that which God allows.” That’s why I encourage people to pray for those in power. The three oldest institutions created by God are the home, the church, and the government.
What is your view on the growing ‘Japa’ syndrome (mass emigration)?
Initially, I used to say “Don’t Japa.” Now I say, “Japa with purpose.” I understand why people leave. I travel to the U.S. and other countries often to minister, and I meet Nigerians who are struggling abroad, but can’t return home because of insecurity, economic hardship, and poor infrastructure. If we make Nigeria livable, many of them will come back. Nigerians are not fleeing because they love foreign lands; they’re running from a broken system. Fix Nigeria, and the Japa trend will reduce naturally.
How politically educated are Nigerian churches?
The truth is, most churches lack political education. That’s a major problem we are working to change. The pulpit must not remain silent on issues of national importance. The church must raise politically conscious members who understand the value of civic responsibility and leadership.
Finally, how do you balance your ministry with personal health?
Pastors must prioritize their health. We must be conscious of what we eat, drink, and how much we rest. It’s easy to get carried away with spiritual and pastoral responsibilities and forget that we’re human. Ministers must understand that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.