For Nigeria to witness good governance, true development and remain united, restructuring of its governance systems remains non-negotiable.

This was the consensus of speakers at the 2026 edition of Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) Europe Summit held in Luxembourg, with the theme, ‘The Yoruba Response to Restructuring, Insecurity and Cultural Erosion in a Struggling Federation of Nigeria.’

Addressing a distinguished gathering of OPU executives, delegates from Europe and other parts of the world, and invited guests, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and Global Convener of OPU, Iba Gani Adams, noted that the theme was timely and critical for addressing the nation’s current challenges.

Adams stressed the critical need to recalibrate Nigeria’s federal system to ensure equity, justice and effective governance.

He said the over-centralisation of power at the federal level is counter-productive and identified this system of government as a root cause of inefficiency and marginalisation, particularly for the Yoruba nation.

He advocated for urgent restructuring and true federalism, saying it will grant states of the federation genuine autonomy.

“Restructuring is essential not only for equitable resource distribution but also for fostering national integration and eliminating ethnic discrimination,” Adams said.

Beyond restructuring, Adams addressed Nigeria’s insecurity crisis, describing it as a collective responsibility that requires more than military solutions.

He advocated for empowering local security groups, community policing and intelligence-sharing mechanisms that leverage local knowledge.

As the leader of a coalition of 16 security-relevant groups under the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG), Adams highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and grassroots security actors to tackle banditry, insurgency and kidnapping.

Chairman of the occasion, Philip Nganyandi, an engineer, observed that the challenges of restructuring, insecurity and cultural erosion were interconnected and required a holistic approach.

He advocated for constitutional reforms that decentralise power, enhance resource control by states, and strengthen local governance.

The guest speaker, Mr. Giwa Tobi of the University of Luxembourg, echoed Adams’ sentiments on the need to close the “distance” between government and the governed, security agencies and communities, and children and their cultural heritage.

Tobi described Nigeria as a nation blessed with abundant resources and rich cultural diversity but currently facing profound challenges that threaten its unity, security and cultural heritage.

He argued that the over-centralisation of power at the federal level has bred inefficiencies and alienation among various ethnic groups, including the Yoruba people.

According to him, restructuring will mean granting states genuine autonomy to govern their affairs, manage resources and develop their communities without undue interference from the central government.

Tobi emphasised that practical federalism and effective empowerment of local security groups to tackle insecurity headlong remained true pillars for Nigeria’s future.

Earlier in his welcome address, OPU Europe Deputy Coordinator, Alhaji Babatunde Otukoya, expressed appreciation to Adams for birthing the vision of OPU for Nigerians in the Diaspora.

He noted that under Adams’s leadership, OPU had become a movement transcending borders.

Otukoya said that through the ideals being promoted by OPU, the Yoruba culture and language is being preserved across the world.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Ikudaisi Joseph Olusina, the Alagbegise of Agbegise Kingdom in Ogun State, said the Yoruba people’s vision aligns with constitutional principles promoting unity in diversity and respect for all federating units.

He called for a system of governance where states and local councils have the power and resources to address local needs effectively.

Oba Olusina praised the Yoruba in diaspora for their role in cultural preservation and urged them to continue serving as ambassadors of Yoruba heritage.

Also, His Royal Majesty, Oba Oladipupo Kabir Badejo, the Oniselu of Odo Iselu, Ogun State, stated that the Yoruba response to restructuring is rooted in the desire for true federalism.

Speaking on the threat of cultural erosion to Yoruba identity, Oba Badejo warned that globalisation and urbanisation were causing the gradual loss of indigenous languages, customs and values.

He urged the Nigerian government to implement policies supporting cultural education and promoting indigenous languages in schools.