Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed have attributed the fragmentation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to mistrust among African leaders.

The pair spoke at Christ Church College, University of Oxford, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sub-regional body over the weekend.

A statement yesterday by the governor’s Media Adviser, Mukhtar Gidado, quoted the ex-president as saying: “The trust that once existed among West African leaders is eroding. Without cooperation and committed leadership, the region cannot move forward.”

Obasanjo recalled the collective past efforts in promoting free movement, economic integration, and social inclusion. He warned that these gains are now threatened by political divisions, inconsistent leadership, and the recent formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a process that signals growing regional fragmentation.

Mohammed stated that the ECOWAS is failing due to poor governance, a trust deficit among leaders, and weak institutional accountability.

“These failures are not abstract, they impact people’s lives every day,” he said.

Mohammed urged quality leadership rooted in responsibility, transparency, and empowerment.