A former Chief of Staff to the late Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Professor of Political Science at the University of Ilorin, Emmanuel ‘Gbade Ojo, has warned that West Africa is gradually sliding back into a cycle of military coups and counter-coups due to poor governance, weak democratic institutions and growing foreign influence.

Ojo gave the warning while delivering the fourth Annual Public Lecture of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan, titled, “Resurgence of Military Coups in Africa: A Prognosis.”

The political scientist said the recent wave of military takeovers across the Sahel region reflects growing frustration among citizens over economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and the failure of democratic governments to deliver good governance.

According to him, the region is exhibiting signs reminiscent of the era when military interventions became recurring features of political life across Africa.

“West Africa is gradually slipping back into a praetorian trap of coups and counter-coups. This trend poses a serious threat to democratic consolidation and political stability across the continent,” he said.

Ojo argued that the inability of elected leaders to address citizens’ welfare and strengthen democratic institutions has eroded public confidence in civilian rule, creating fertile ground for military adventurism.

He also blamed external interference and neo-colonial influences for worsening political instability in many African countries.

“As long as African states remain economically subservient and militarily penetrated by foreign interests through the establishment of military bases, the barracks will continue to present themselves as alternatives to political authority,” he stated.

The former Political Adviser to the governor noted that many young Africans have become increasingly disillusioned with existing political systems and foreign domination, leading to growing support for military juntas in some countries.

Tracing the history of coups on the continent from Egypt in 1952 to the recent political crisis in Guinea-Bissau in 2025, Ojo maintained that the root causes of military interventions have remained largely unchanged.

He urged African leaders to embrace transparency, accountability and people-centred governance as critical steps towards reversing the trend.

According to him, strengthening democratic culture, promoting healthy civil-military relations and pursuing inclusive economic development would help prevent further military takeovers and consolidate democracy in Africa.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Dr. Temitope Bello, described the lecture as timely, noting that the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government had raised fundamental questions about governance, constitutionalism and regional security across Africa.

Bello said the annual lecture series was designed to bridge the gap between scholarship and policy by encouraging informed discussions on contemporary political and security challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor-designate of KolaDaisi University, Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, stressed the importance of politics in leadership, governance and national development, while commending the department for sustaining the intellectual initiative.

Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences, Prof. Sekinat Kola-Aderoju, noted that recent coups in Africa had generated intense debate.

Among dignitaries present at the event were the immediate past Dean of the faculty, Prof. Jendele Adebayo Hungbo; renowned security scholar, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert; Treasurer of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Prof. Adebukola Adesina; University of Ilesa academic, Dr. Adebukola Ayoola, among others.