Dr. Akin Fapohunda Advocates for Regionalization to Address Nigeria’s Divisions

Dr. Akin Fapohunda, Secretary of the Eminent Elders Forum, has strongly advocated for a restructuring of Nigeria, calling attention to the growing divisions between Northern and Southern Nigeria. In a powerful statement, he argued that despite outward appearances, the country remains deeply divided, with the North able to assert its interests easily, while the South struggles to catch up. He criticized the North for over 40 years of imposing federal character and quota systems, policies that he claims benefit only a small clique and marginalize Southerners. “The North has taken us for a ride for too long,” Fapohunda declared. “It’s time Nigeria wakes up. We are not one, we are not together.”

Calls for Regionalization and Constitutional Amendments

Dr. Fapohunda proposed a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria, advocating for a system where the North and South could function as “good neighbors” with distinct worldviews and cultures. His plan involves amending the constitution to grant regions the autonomy to establish their own subsidiary constitutions, reallocate federal powers, and hold referendums to decide key issues. He argued that the federal structure has led to inefficiency and division, citing the bloated federal civil service as a prime example of how the system fails to meet the needs of Nigerians.

The Quota System and VAT Challenges

One of the major points of contention raised by Fapohunda was the effectiveness of Nigeria’s VAT system. He accused the North of refusing to organize its markets, making it difficult to implement fair and effective taxation, such as VAT. He highlighted the lack of structured systems in Northern markets, particularly for basic commodities like cows and onions, which are sold through informal, unrecorded transactions. This, he argued, makes it impossible to properly tax such goods, unlike in the more organized Southern markets. Fapohunda also pointed out that the quota system and the federal character policies, which have been in place for decades, have severely hindered national progress and contributed to systemic imbalances.

The Sharia Law Divide

Dr. Fapohunda also drew attention to the deep cultural and religious differences between the North and South, specifically regarding the implementation of Sharia law. He argued that the North’s commitment to Sharia should be respected and allowed to operate freely, as it aligns with the beliefs of many in the region. In contrast, he pointed out that many in the South—Muslims included—reject Sharia law, highlighting it as a significant cultural divide that underlines the need for regional autonomy.

“We should let the North implement Sharia as they see fit,” Fapohunda said. “In the South, we don’t want Sharia. The Muslims there don’t want it, either.”

The Growing ‘Japa’ Phenomenon

Another critical issue Fapohunda raised was the increasing emigration of Yoruba and Igbo professionals, commonly referred to as the “Japa” phenomenon. He explained that this mass exodus is driven by the “hostile” and “poisoned” environment within Nigeria, where many Southern Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba, are now looking to other countries to fulfill their professional ambitions. Fapohunda lamented the loss of human capital, noting that Nigeria’s lack of a conducive environment for growth is pushing its brightest minds to leave.

“Nigeria is too hostile for the Yoruba now,” Fapohunda said. “We’ve invested heavily in education, but now we’re losing all our best and brightest to other countries. They are developing other societies.”

The Need for Regional Autonomy

Fapohunda emphasized that the current governance structure is a major factor driving the “Japa” phenomenon and the growing tensions between Nigeria’s regions. He argued that the South, particularly the Yoruba, needs greater autonomy to create an environment conducive to development and to reverse the current trends of emigration and underdevelopment. He also criticized the Nigerian government for failing to address these issues, while the North continues to function without concern for how many of its professionals have left the country.

“Let’s accept who we are,” Fapohunda urged, calling for Nigeria to recognize its deep-seated divisions and allow regions to operate based on their own values and beliefs. “Let’s accept reality so that we can stop talking and start acting.”

A Call for Fundamental Change

Dr. Fapohunda concluded by stating that before any tax reforms or national policies can succeed, Nigeria’s governance structure must be reformed to reflect the diverse organizational capacities and cultural differences across the country. “Trying to impose a one-size-fits-all approach from Abuja is not going to work,” he said. “Let each region live according to its own worldview.”

To further his vision of regional autonomy, Fapohunda announced plans to launch the Western Region Organization, aimed at pushing for regionalism in Nigeria’s Southwest. He urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize governance reform, allowing more regional autonomy, instead of focusing on controversial tax reforms.

Conclusion

The call for a restructuring of Nigeria’s governance system is not merely a political position but a response to the deeply entrenched cultural, religious, and economic differences within the country. Dr. Fapohunda’s remarks underscore the urgent need for change, one that would allow each region to operate according to its values, ensuring that Nigeria’s diverse groups can thrive independently as “good neighbors.”