Nigeria’s Democratic Future Depends on Strong Institutions, Not Powerful Individuals — Oyo Deputy Governor

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, has called for the strengthening of democratic institutions, accountable leadership and sustainable governance reforms, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on resilient institutions rather than powerful individuals.

Lawal made the call while delivering the inaugural University of Ibadan Independence Hall Alumni Personality Lecture, titled “Twenty-Seven Years of Democracy in Nigeria: Any Lessons Learned in Leadership and Governance?”

The Oyo State Deputy Governor noted that although Nigeria has maintained its longest uninterrupted period of democratic rule since 1999, the country continues to face challenges including leadership deficiencies, weak institutions, poor policy implementation and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.

He observed that political parties had gradually moved away from being ideologically driven platforms to becoming vehicles for political competition and elite negotiations. He added that the increasing rate of political defections had weakened internal party democracy and further eroded public confidence in the political process.

Lawal also expressed concern over the increasing judicialisation of politics, warning that excessive judicial intervention in political disputes could undermine the credibility of the judiciary and negatively affect democratic governance.

According to him, the greatest lesson from Nigeria’s democratic journey is that leadership must be anchored in service rather than the pursuit of power.

He explained that while political power could secure public office, only moral authority, integrity and selfless service could earn the trust and confidence of citizens.

The Deputy Governor stressed that democracy must deliver tangible benefits to the people through improved security, quality education, accessible healthcare, infrastructure development and expanded economic opportunities.

He advocated continuous electoral reforms, stronger institutional independence, effective implementation of public policies, increased citizen participation and greater accountability at all levels of government.

Lawal urged political leaders to place national interests above sectional considerations and called on citizens to remain actively involved in the democratic process by demanding accountability from elected leaders and participating meaningfully in governance.

He further called for stronger and more independent institutions, sustained electoral reforms, the restoration of internal democracy within political parties, increased citizen participation in governance and constitutional reforms capable of strengthening democratic accountability.

Reflecting on his years as a student at Independence Hall, Lawal described the hall as an environment that significantly shaped his leadership values and commitment to public service.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, expressed delight that Independence Hall had continued to produce distinguished alumni who were making significant contributions to national development.

Professor Adebowale noted that the identity and values of the University of Ibadan remain with its graduates long after they leave the institution, adding that the university has consistently produced intellectually sound leaders capable of providing solutions to societal challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor described the theme of the lecture as timely and relevant to Nigeria’s democratic development. He stressed that democracy is a continuous process requiring constant evaluation, adherence to the rule of law and deliberate efforts to strengthen institutions and address governance gaps.

Professor Adebowale commended the Deputy Governor for returning to his alma mater to share his wealth of experience with members of the university community. He noted that the lessons from the lecture should not merely be regarded as reflections on Nigeria’s democratic past but should serve as guideposts for building a stronger democratic future.

In his welcome address, the Dean of Students, Professor Demola Lewis, described the occasion as a historic milestone for Independence Hall, noting that the lecture marked the beginning of what would become a lasting tradition of celebrating distinguished alumni and inspiring future generations of students.

Professor Lewis described Barrister Lawal as an illustrious alumnus whose journey from Independence Hall to the position of Deputy Governor of Oyo State exemplifies scholarship, integrity, humility and selfless service.

He added that the inaugural Independence Hall Alumni Personality Lecture would also provide an opportunity for alumni and friends of the hall to reconnect with their alma mater and contribute to the continued development of the hall’s infrastructure, student welfare and academic environment.