Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has urged the National Assembly to halt all ongoing and future amendments to the 1999 Constitution, insisting that Nigeria needs an entirely new, homegrown constitutional framework that truly reflects the will and diversity of its people.
Delivering the 13th Convocation Lecture of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), on Monday, October 20, 2025, titled “Nigeria Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Imperative of a Sober and Definitive Recalibration,” the respected legal icon described the current constitution as a “military albatross” imposed on Nigerians without their consent.
“The National Assembly should, for now, suspend the ongoing amendment or any further alteration to the 1999 Constitution. This constitution needs a complete overhaul, not another patchwork reform. What Nigeria requires is a negotiated, homegrown document that will lay the foundation for a new social order”, Olanipekun declared. “
Olanipekun, who has been a consistent advocate of constitutional reform since the 1999 document came into effect under General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s regime, argued that the current constitution has lost both its moral legitimacy and functional relevance.
Proposing a pragmatic roadmap, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria recommended a transitional phase between now and 2031 to enable the country to harmonise all previous constitutional efforts, including reports from national conferences and restructuring committees. in preparation for drafting a new consensual charter.
He explained, “During this transitional period, elections should continue as scheduled. But there must be a clear understanding that by May 29, 2031, Nigeria will be governed under a new constitution, a new structure, and a renewed national vision.”
He also called for a national referendum to give Nigerians the opportunity to collectively decide their constitutional future, describing it as “a solemn act by which a people speak in unison on matters of grave national importance.”
Olanipekun noted that referendums were not alien to Nigeria’s political history and reminded lawmakers that sovereignty, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(a) of the existing constitution, resides in the people. Therefore, he said, Nigerians have the inalienable right to determine how they wish to be governed.
Advocating for a restructured federation, Olanipekun lamented that the states had lost their constitutional relevance and authority under the current federal arrangement.
He said, “The fact remains that the states have lost their grip and gravitas on their traditional areas of jurisdiction. It is not about creating more states. The more states are created, the weaker the federating units become and the more powerful the centre grows.”
He maintained that the federating units should lead the process of reconfiguring and re-engineering Nigeria’s governance structure, especially in the areas of security, constitutional architecture, and system of government.
Olanipekun further stressed that the National Assembly should not determine its own future in the course of the proposed referendum
“It is the federating units that must make arrangements for the referendum, its format, scope, and procedures, since the National Assembly cannot be a judge in its own case,” he stated.
Turning to the political class, Olanipekun decried the erosion of ideology in Nigeria’s political space, warning that the rampant cross-carpeting among politicians could destabilise the system.
He cautioned, “Membership of a political party should not be a tea party or picnic. It must be guided by principles, ideology, and commitment to manifestos, not opportunism. The unchecked movement of politicians across parties will soon cause implosions within those platforms.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his consistency and loyalty to one political platform, describing him as an example of ideological steadfastness.
He observed, “Aside from him and a few others, most politicians have been serial party migrants since 1999. Even as an opposition governor, Tinubu stood his ground against the then ruling party and has remained within the progressive fold ever since.”
Olanipekun also urged Nigeria to shift from “parading people” to “producing citizens,” applauding President Tinubu’s decision to restore the old national anthem as a symbolic gesture toward national reconciliation.
He stated, “To reconcile our differences in tribe and tongue, we must be deliberate, sober, and reflective. Only through intentional recalibration can we rebuild the soul of our nation.”
In his remarks, the Chancellor and Founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), commended Olanipekun for delivering what he described as a “well-researched and thought-provoking lecture.”
Babalola said the lecture aligns with his long-standing advocacy for the replacement of the 1999 Constitution with a new, people-oriented charter capable of unlocking Nigeria’s true potential for peace, unity, and development.
He noted, “Chief Olanipekun has spoken the truth with courage and clarity. For Nigeria to move forward, we must stop patching the present constitution and begin the journey toward drafting a new one that truly belongs to the people.”
