A group of prominent Yoruba intellectuals, professionals and political figures have announced the formation of the Omo Odùduwà Collective, a socio-political platform aimed at promoting justice, accountability, restructuring and democratic values in Nigeria.
The group, unveiled in a statement on Tuesday, said it was formed out of a “profound sense of historical responsibility” and concern over the direction of the country under the current political climate.
Among notable signatories to the statement are Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde, who serves as convener, former presidential adviser Senator Babafemi Ojudu, lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi and Kayode Ogundamisi.
Others are Kazeem Olasupo( Honourary Secretary), Dr. Adeolu Oyekan, Dr. Olasunkanmi Olapeju and Samuel Arinloye Adebisi.
The Collective said Nigeria has reached a “critical moment when silence is no longer a virtue,” stressing that citizens must speak honestly about governance, justice and the future of the federation.
The group lamented what it described as the erosion of traditional Yoruba values such as truth, education, democratic engagement and accountability, warning against the rise of “opportunism, intolerance of dissent, ethnic chauvinism, and the normalization of unaccountable power.”
Without directly attacking President Bola Tinubu, the group said the administration must take responsibility for policies that have worsened the economic condition of Nigerians.
“Millions of Nigerians today face severe economic hardship, rising costs of living, declining purchasing power, food insecurity, unemployment, and growing uncertainty about the future,” the statement read.
The Collective insisted that economic reforms should be measured by their impact on citizens rather than by “statistics and projections.”
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the group called on the political class to focus on rescuing the country rather than engaging in early political campaigns.
It also renewed calls for constitutional restructuring, true federalism, devolution of powers and fiscal federalism, arguing that Nigeria’s diversity cannot continue to be managed through excessive centralisation.
On security, the group advocated the creation of constitutionally regulated state police structures to tackle insecurity, kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
The Collective further expressed concern over what it described as a growing disconnect between the suffering of citizens and the lifestyle of public officials, urging greater transparency, fiscal discipline and accountability in government.
According to the statement, the platform is not a political party but a civic movement dedicated to dialogue, advocacy, research and democratic engagement.
“Our purpose is neither ethnic antagonism nor partisan opposition. We seek a Nigeria founded on justice, fairness, accountability, competence, and respect for diversity,” the group stated.
The Omo Odùduwà Collective said it would work to defend democratic values and ensure that future generations inherit a society where “truth, integrity, and justice remain stronger than power, expediency, or ethnic loyalty.”
