As Nigeria commemorated its 65th Independence anniversary, prominent lawyer and human rights advocate Deji Adeyanju used the occasion to reflect on the country’s lack of meaningful progress, particularly in the areas of democracy, governance, and security. In a statement released on Wednesday, Adeyanju expressed deep disappointment at the nation’s current state, despite being over six decades into self-rule.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy remains shallow and largely ineffective beyond the federal level. “What we call democracy barely exists outside of Abuja,” he said. “At the state level, governors act more like emperors, wielding unchecked power while avoiding transparency. They enjoy rising benefits, yet the system shields them from real accountability.”
Adeyanju recalled a disturbing incident from less than a year ago, when 19 governors collectively sought to weaken the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Had the judiciary not stepped in, he argued, the fight against corruption could have been significantly compromised. He warned that actions like these reflect a troubling trend: leaders trying to undermine institutions meant to hold them accountable.
He also pointed out the inconsistency in obeying court rulings, referencing the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy—a ruling that has been largely ignored. “A democracy cannot function when leaders cherry-pick which laws to follow,” he warned. “True democracy requires accountability at all levels, not just in the capital.”
Turning to the federal executive, Adeyanju noted that many ministers are absent in performance, stating that only a handful are actively working while the rest appear disengaged. “For a country with Nigeria’s complex problems, we cannot afford ministers who are only ministers in name,” he added.
More concerning, he said, is the escalating insecurity. From widespread banditry to attacks by so-called “unknown gunmen,” Adeyanju argued that independence means very little if citizens do not feel safe in their homes and communities. “We must urgently overhaul our security infrastructure—people deserve to live without fear.”
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to see Independence Day not just as a moment of celebration, but as a time to reflect and demand real, lasting reforms. “We owe it to ourselves and future generations to push for a country that truly works for everyone,” Adeyanju emphasized.