The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Thursday faulted Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, saying it has failed to deliver basic democratic dividends to citizens, particularly in the areas of education, rule of law and security, despite 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.
Naijaonpoint reports that the monarch spoke at the 23rd Annual Trust Dialogue held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja, where he delivered a keynote address on the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
Ladoja questioned the continued inability of governments at all levels to guarantee access to education for Nigerian children, describing the situation as unacceptable in a democratic setting.
“Government has not made education a guaranteed right. Today, many of our children are out of school. Should that be happening in Nigeria today? Can we not guarantee education for all our children?” the traditional ruler asked.
He warned that the rising number of out-of-school children posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s future, stressing that no nation could achieve sustainable development while denying large segments of its population access to quality education.
According to him, the failure to prioritise education undermines the very foundation of democracy and limits the country’s long-term growth prospects.
The Olubadan also called for sustained constitutional and legal reforms, insisting that Nigeria must continue to amend its laws until they genuinely serve the interests of the people.
He noted that lawmaking should not be seen as the exclusive responsibility of the National Assembly, pointing out that state Houses of Assembly and local governments also possess constitutional powers to enact laws capable of improving citizens’ welfare.
“Nigeria must keep reforming its laws until they truly reflect the needs and realities of the people,” he said.
Raising concerns about the state of the rule of law, Ladoja said inconsistent interpretation and application of laws had weakened justice delivery and accountability in the country.
“I have spoken to lawyers who say we cannot even guarantee what the law says, because today’s interpretation may be different tomorrow. That uncertainty weakens the rule of law,” the monarch stated.
He added that such inconsistencies erode public confidence in the legal system and weaken democratic institutions.
Security Challenges Persist
On security, the Olubadan expressed worry over reports of citizens being accidentally killed by law enforcement agents, as well as complaints by security personnel that criminal groups were often better equipped than those assigned to maintain law and order.
He said these realities underscored the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, the country must confront its security challenges head-on if it is to build a democratic system that truly reflects the dreams and aspirations of its people.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule, Ladoja said the full potential of the Fourth Republic remained largely unrealised due to persistent governance, economic and security challenges.
He stressed that democracy must go beyond periodic elections and translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The monarch later handed over the session to other speakers and the anchor of the programme for further deliberations at the dialogue.