Professor Toyin Falola addressed the persistent issues of ethnic and religious politics in Nigeria, asserting they threaten national unity and democratic institutions. He emphasized the need for governance based on competence and national interest rather than sectional loyalties. Falola also called for a cultural shift in civic engagement and collective action to strengthen democracy and promote national progress.
Esteemed historian, Professor Toyin Falola, has underscored that ethnic and religious politics pose significant threats to Nigeria’s unity and democratic advancement. During the Prof. Ayo Olukotun Memorial Lecture held on March 18, 2025, at Lead City University, he expressed acute concerns over the dominance of these sectarian divisions in Nigerian politics, highlighting their detrimental impact on national governance, democratic institutions, and overall political stability.
Professor Falola elaborated on the theme “Ayo Olukotun and the Nigerian Nation,” pointing out that tribal and religious affiliations have overshadowed critical national discussions. This has led to the replacement of merit-based leadership and policy-oriented governance with identity-driven politics, resulting in a detrimental effect on national unity, which he described as relegating the nation “to a state of disunity.”
He referenced the divisiveness of the 2019 presidential election, illustrating how tribal and religious sentiments shape political choices. Despite similarities in the backgrounds of the leading candidates, the election exacerbated existing fears and mistrust among various ethnic and religious communities, raising questions about national cohesion.
Further criticizing the influence of ethnic and religious biases on political appointments, Professor Falola argued that such practices undermine governance, foster mediocrity, and discourage merit-based leadership. He insisted that this has transformed public office into a battleground for sectional interests rather than a platform for service and national growth.
Falola also addressed the role of religion in Nigerian politics, asserting that it has been misappropriated as a political tool by those seeking power. He lamented, “Instead of serving as a bulwark for the anti-corruption crusade, religion has been hijacked by political gladiators who act out of cynical self-interest.” He warned that unless public office prioritizes service over wealth accumulation, sectarian divisions will continue to hinder national unity.
He noted that politicians often exploit religious sentiments as a diversion from governance failures, focusing on ethnic and religious manipulation rather than addressing crucial issues such as economic advancement and security. Falola advocates for a decisive shift towards national reorientation, emphasizing governance that prioritizes competence over factional affiliation.
He articulated the necessity for strengthening national institutions to insulate democracy from ethnic and religious manipulation, urging civil society, intellectuals, and the media to champion a political culture rooted in policy discourse instead of divisive sentiments. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of civic engagement that transcends ethnic and religious lines, urging Nigerians to demand solutions for the nation’s core challenges rather than support leaders based on regional or religious identities.
The Prof. Ayo Olukotun Memorial Lecture attracted a distinguished audience, including scholars and political figures, and was presided over by Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, a former senator. Professor Kabiru Adeyemo, Vice Chancellor, underscored the university’s dedication to enriching national dialogue, with key organizational contributions from Dr. Dyebola Ayeni and Dr. Igho Fayomi.
In conclusion, Professor Falola urged both leaders and citizens to adopt a new governance vision founded on competence, integrity, and national progress. He asserted, “We must choose the path of unity over division, competence over sentiment, and governance over tribalism, for Nigeria will not advance until we dismantle the structures that fuel disunity and prioritize national interest above sectional loyalty.”
In overview, Professor Toyin Falola’s powerful address highlights the pervasive challenges posed by ethnic and religious politics to Nigeria’s unity and democratic progress. He calls for a radical shift towards governance based on merit, urging collective action to prioritize national interests over divisive sentiments. By advocating for civic engagement and the strengthening of national institutions, he emphasizes the urgent need for a new political culture that fosters unity and progress.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
