Olanipekun Urges Tinubu to Name Those Waging War Against Nigeria

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to summon political courage and publicly identify those responsible for undermining national security and their sponsors.

Speaking at the 29th edition of the Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme and 6th Empowerment Programme in his hometown of Ikere-Ekiti over the weekend, Olanipekun described Tinubu as inheriting the current security challenges and warned against allowing the country to be sabotaged by insiders who claim citizenship but act against national interests.

“I sympathize with President Tinubu,” Olanipekun said. “But we must stop pretending we do not know those waging war against the country and their sponsors. If we know them, why can’t we expose them? You cannot sabotage your country and face no consequences. This is not acceptable anywhere in the world.”

He argued that naming perpetrators is crucial for accountability and insisted that external intervention is unnecessary if the government takes decisive action.

Olanipekun also renewed his advocacy for regional federalism as a long-term solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. He emphasized that devolving more powers to the regions, while keeping core responsibilities at the center, would strengthen governance, improve security coordination, reduce tensions, and foster constructive competition among states.

“What can save Nigeria today is regional federalism,” Olanipekun stated. “Let the regions come together to form strong alliances. Residual powers should remain at the regional level, while powers traditionally reserved for the center should be exercised there. This approach provides a coherent framework to manage our diversity and challenges effectively.”

In his remarks, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji praised Olanipekun’s efforts to transform lives through scholarships and empowerment programs. He urged beneficiaries to uphold values of hard work, gratitude, and service to others, and to emulate Olanipekun by giving back to their communities as they succeed in life.

“The lesson today is clear,” Governor Oyebanji said. “You don’t need to be wealthy to make a difference. God created us to add value to our neighbors. We must live with compassion, sympathy, and generosity, just as Chief Olanipekun has demonstrated for 29 years through scholarships and six years of empowerment programs.”