Ibadan — The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has said Nigeria’s Fourth Republic has failed to deliver key democratic dividends to many citizens, lamenting persistent shortcomings in education, the rule of law and security.
Speaking on Thursday, the monarch expressed concern that more than two decades after the return to democratic rule in 1999, a significant number of Nigerians are yet to experience tangible benefits of democracy in their daily lives.
According to him, access to quality education remains a major challenge for many families, while the rule of law has not been firmly entrenched, leading to widespread perceptions of injustice and unequal application of laws. He also pointed to lingering security problems across the country as evidence that democratic governance has not translated into improved safety for citizens.
Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, said democracy should go beyond periodic elections and political rhetoric, stressing that its true value lies in the ability of government to protect lives and property, uphold justice, and provide opportunities for social advancement.
He urged political leaders to recommit themselves to the core principles of democracy, noting that failure to strengthen institutions and deliver basic services could further erode public confidence in the system.
The Olubadan’s remarks add to growing public discourse on governance challenges in Nigeria, as concerns persist over education standards, judicial independence and rising insecurity across different parts of the country.
Abuja Network News
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