Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has strongly advocated for a brand-new Nigerian constitution, insisting that only a truly inclusive and people-driven document can address the country’s longstanding structural imbalances.
Delivering the keynote address at the 7th Anniversary Lecture of Penpushing Media in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Ezekwesili criticized the ongoing constitutional amendment process spearheaded by the National Assembly, describing it as a wasteful charade that fails to address the core issues of true federalism.
Speaking on the theme, “Reworking Nigeria’s Federalism: Perspectives on Restructuring and Fiscal Federalism,” she argued that Nigeria’s current constitution lacks legitimacy and cannot be repaired through fragmented amendments.
“The demand for a new constitution is a matter of life and death. You don’t patch a structurally defective foundation—you rebuild it,” she said.
Ezekwesili urged the media to lead advocacy for a genuine constitutional conference where citizens can hold honest conversations and develop a new legal framework, ratified through a national referendum—similar to Kenya’s constitutional reform process.
In his remarks, Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Isola, also stressed the need for restructuring, describing it as a national rebirth strategy. He criticized the current federal system for lacking the autonomy and governance clarity necessary for development.
“True federalism goes beyond power devolution—it’s about fiscal equity, institutional integrity, and accountability to citizens,” Isola added.
Penpushing Media founder, Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, noted that the annual lecture series aims to elevate public discourse on critical national issues that can drive Nigeria’s progress.
Panelists at the event included former NBC Director Eddy Aina; Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Adeleye; Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of the University of Lagos; and Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor, CP Fatai Owoseni (Rtd).
Other dignitaries in attendance were former presidential spokesman Femi Adesina, President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Maureen Chigbo, and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola.
