The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has thrown his weight behind the initiative led by 60 members of the House of Representatives advocating for Nigeria’s return to a parliamentary system of government.
During a meeting with a delegation of lawmakers led by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, and Rep. Abdulsamad Dasuki, the monarch expressed his support for the proposed bills aimed at restructuring elections at the local, state, and federal levels.
Ooni Ogunwusi described the current presidential system as accidental, lamenting its inception due to military interventions that disrupted the parliamentary system practiced after independence.
He commended the lawmakers for their efforts and stressed the importance of fostering healthy competition among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, believing that a parliamentary system would effectively leverage the country’s abundant natural and human resources for development.
Addressing the legislators, Ooni Ogunwusi emphasized the need for unity in pursuing the common goal of restructuring, true federalism, or devolution of powers, emphasizing that it is crucial for Nigeria’s progress.
In response, Hon. Chinda expressed optimism about the ongoing consultations, highlighting the need to address the numerous challenges facing the country through a gradual transition to a parliamentary system. Hon. Dasuki echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that the transition would address concerns raised by Nigerians across the board.
