It was a gathering of people from all walks of life in Lagos at the Nigwria Institute of International Affairs on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 as Emeritus Professor of History and International Relations, University of Lagos, and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Prof. Akinjide Osuntokun called for a change in governance approach to ensure a better future for all Nigerians.
Osuntokun, who spoke at the Joseph Oduola Osuntokun lecture series identified several challenges facing the country, including the 1999 Constitution, ethnic plurality, overpopulation, food insecurity, non-productivity, non-inclusivity, corruption, and illiteracy.
According to him, a review of the Constitution was necessary to address the country’s gamut of problems.
He suggested that the country should adopt the Independence constitution negotiated by the founding fathers and mothers, which was based on the principle of political bargaining.
A former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and former governors of Ogun, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Rivers, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi were among eminent Nigerians who graced the 2025 Oduola Osuntokun memorial leadership lecture series.
Also in attendance were Chief Bode George; Prof Adebayo Williams; former deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Kofoworola Buknor-Akerele; former Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Modupe Adelaja; Afenifere leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan; Dr Wale Babalakin; advertising guru, Dr Biodun Shobanjo; Barr. Leke Adewolu; Mr. Jimi Agbaje; former President of Nigeria Guild of Editors Gbenga Adefaye; former presidential spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina; CIAPS centre Director, Prof Anthony Kila; former deputy vice chancellor of UNILAG, Prof Duro Oni, and a host of others.
While Obasanjo was represented by his wife, Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo, and African richest man and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu, all others were physically present at the event held at NIIA, Victoria Island.
Former Ekiti State governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, chaired the event while Balogun Akin Osuntokun, who is the son of Oduola Osuntokun and former Political Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, compered.
In his remarks, Otunba Adebayo extolled the virtues of late Oduola Osuntokun, for whom the lecture was instituted, describing him as one of the finest politicians and teachers Nigeria ever had.
He said he grew up with Osuntokun’s family members, such that their parents were also close to each other.
“It is because of our closeness, he explained, “that I accepted to be the chairman of this occasion because my mother is also celebrating her 93rd birthday today and the programme was scheduled for the same 11.00 am.
“But when I mentioned to my mother that I had to chair this occasion, she graciously accepted to delay her celebrating till 2 o’clock because Akin’s mother was like an aunty to her and they were very close.”
Adebayo stated that the memories of the late Oduola Osuntokun would live forever.
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