Olusegun Adeyemo
A former Senior Administrative Aide at the House of Representatives during the 1999–2003 democratic era, Mr. Adedeji Ajisope, has called for Nigeria to return to its original model of local and fiscal federalism, stressing that such restructuring is crucial for sustainable national development.
In an exclusive interview with The Journal Nigeria, Mr. Ajisope stated that the conversation around restructuring should not be limited to the political system alone, but must also include a complete overhaul of the judiciary and other critical institutions.
“Nigeria needs to go back to the original structure of local and fiscal federalism. The call for restructuring is not only political—it cuts across the judiciary and other arms of government. We cannot continue on this path without reforming key institutions,” he said.
Ajisope emphasized that Nigeria is a “work in progress,” and so are its citizens. He believes that the current administration, like others before it, must continue to grow, learn, and strive to make meaningful progress.
Speaking on Nigeria’s historical journey, Ajisope traced the country’s evolution from a British colonial amalgamation in 1914, to its status as an independent nation in 1960 and a republic in 1963. He pointed out that the nation’s challenges today are deeply rooted in its history and the legacy of military rule.
“You know, the military’s intervention in governance since 1966 distorted the federal structure. Nigeria is a negotiated union—people must never forget that. Each region came to the negotiation table with its unique identity, interest, and representation. That foundation was significant,” he explained.
Ajisope argued that Nigeria’s national plurality and diversity were foundational to its creation, and ignoring that reality has contributed to many of the issues the country currently faces. He stressed that understanding Nigeria’s past is essential to addressing its future.
“Nigeria was formed as a business entity. The British merged the Northern and Southern Protectorates primarily for economic convenience. They were exporting resources and saw Nigeria as a profitable venture. That is why, during the constitutional negotiations, the interests of each region were carefully considered,” he noted.
He added that the amalgamation was not purely political but economic, and the structure of the country was intentionally designed to reflect its diversity. “Our plurality is not a weakness—it is the truth of our existence. When the military took over, a lot of that foundational balance was disrupted,” he concluded.
Mr. Ajisope’s remarks come amid renewed debates on restructuring and national unity in Nigeria, with growing calls for the devolution of powers and a return to true federalism as a means to achieve stability, justice, and development.