Olanipekun Urges Nigeria to Suspend Constitution Amendments, Advocates for New People’s Constitution and Federal Restructuring
Olanipekun Urges Nigeria to Suspend Constitution Amendments, Advocates for New People’s Constitution and Federal Restructuring
Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, has called on the Nigerian National Assembly to halt further amendments to the 1999 Constitution. He emphasized the need for a new, indigenous constitution that truly reflects the Nigerian people’s will and unique identity, rather than superficial reforms.
Olanipekun stated, “The National Assembly should, for now, suspend any ongoing or future amendments to the 1999 Constitution. What Nigeria needs is a complete overhaul—a new constitution that is negotiated and capable of establishing a new social order.”
Delivering the 13th Convocation Lecture at Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, titled “Nigeria yesterday, today and tomorrow: Imperative of a sober and definitive recalibration,” Olanipekun described the 1999 Constitution as a “military albatross” imposed on Nigerians, which has outlived its relevance and legitimacy.
He recalled that since its adoption under General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s military regime, he has consistently advocated for a people-driven constitution developed through public participation and referendum.
Olanipekun proposed a transitional period extending until 2031, during which Nigeria would review and harmonize various constitutional efforts, including reports from conferences and committees on restructuring. He suggested that elections would continue during this phase, with elected officials serving their terms, but with the understanding that a new constitution would be implemented by May 29, 2031.
He also called for a national referendum, describing it as a “solemn act” through which Nigerians can collectively decide on matters of national importance. Olanipekun noted that sovereignty resides with the people, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(a) of the current constitution, and that they have an inalienable right to determine their governance.
Furthermore, he advocated for reconfiguring Nigeria’s federal structure, asserting that states, not the Federal Government, should determine their own governance frameworks. He pointed out that states have lost their constitutional influence and that creating more states does not necessarily strengthen the federation but may weaken it further by centralizing power.
Olanipekun emphasized that the federating units should take charge of restructuring efforts through a referendum, which should be organized and managed by the states. He warned that the current National Assembly is not the appropriate body to oversee such a process, as it cannot judge itself.
He also expressed concern over the decline of ideological commitment among Nigerian politicians and the frequent defections between parties. He stressed that political membership should be based on serious principles, policies, and ideology, as is the practice in stable democracies worldwide.
