Renowned Islamic cleric and Founder and Spiritual head of Shafaudeen-In-Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, JP, has called for unity of purpose and cooperation among stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to actualise the long-standing demand for the restructuring of the country.
Professor Olagoke made the call during the annual Ishrat Lecture titled: “Which Way Nigeria? Continuity, Separation or Secession Option,” delivered at the grand-finale of the Shafaudeen International Annual Convention, Ishrat 2026, held during the weekend at the Shafaudeen International Headquarters, Wakajaye, Ibadan.
He warned that failure to restructure Nigeria could pose a grave threat to the continued existence of the country as one indivisible entity in the near future.
The Islamic cleric described Nigeria’s formation as a marriage of inconvenience, arguing that it has contributed significantly to the present challenges of insecurity and terrorism, thereby making it necessary to critically examine the available options for national survival.
He referred to a proposal attributed to President Bola Tinubu advocating the creation of a United State of Nigeria in which each state would control 50 per cent of its revenue, alongside other revenue-sharing formulas, with Sharia criminal laws abrogated except for civil matters such as marriage and customary laws in Islamic-controlled states, in order to allow an all-encompassing and total overhaul of Nigeria’s restructuring architecture, while questioning whether the country was truly ready for such a model.
Addressing the option of separation, Professor Olagoke questioned how Nigeria could avoid another marriage of inconvenience should restructuring be pursued under a continuity framework, stressing that due process must be followed by the concerned ethnic groups through judicial procedures, the National Assembly, State Assemblies and referenda to prevent oligarchic domination and political imposition by opportunistic elites.
He emphasised that readiness, capacity and uniformity of purpose were crucial, pointing to unresolved issues such as the definition and leadership structure of a proposed Yoruba or Oduduwa Nation, the geographical scope of a Biafran entity whether limited to the South-East or expanded to include the South-South, the Aniocha factor and hereditary claims by Igbo and Delta Region communities, as well as the challenges of Fulani and Hausa domination and Christian dominance in the Middle Belt alongside concerns over Fulani jihadist infiltration must be resolved.
Professor Olagoke warned that embracing separation without resolving these contentious issues could lead to renewed insecurity and another dysfunctional union in the future, adding that there was a pressing need for the reorientation of Nigerians towards zero tolerance for corruption and institutional indiscipline, which he said had contributed to the present breakdown of law and order.
He called for reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation within and outside the country, with respect for the territorial integrity of any emerging sovereignty.
On the issue of secession, Professor Olagoke argued that if separation must occur, a Brexit-style template should be adopted to ensure a bloodless process, while raising concerns about political and economic power struggles over mineral resources and oil, the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy.
The Islamic cleric cautioned against secession due to its historically violent consequences, recalling Isaac Adaka Boro’s secession bid in the South-South in 1966 and 1967 and the Biafra War between 1967 and 1970, which resulted in the loss of over three million innocent lives on both the Federal and Biafran sides.
The event which was graced by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade I, featured the presentation of Nation Builders Awards to the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Yunus Akintunde, as well as Hon. Mutiu Ogundokun, Mogaji Lawal Abiola, Mogaji Akiro, Kazeem Babalola and High Chief Oyekunle Oyeleke.
Speaking with journalists after the award presentation, Senator Akintunde appealed to Nigerians, especially the youth, to remain patient with the Federal Government as ongoing economic reforms continue to take effect, assuring that the current challenges would soon give way to better days.
Addressing concerns over the growing hardship in the country, the senator acknowledged that the situation had become increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens but maintained that temporary discomfort was a normal part of national adjustment.
“Things are very difficult for people on the streets, and my advice is that we should bear with government,” he said, adding that “for every relief in life, there will be difficulties. What we are passing through is part of the process.”
He defended federal policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the flotation of the naira, arguing that although they had caused short-term hardship, they were necessary steps towards long-term economic stability.
The occasion also featured the cutting of the 43rd anniversary cake and a tour of facilities and projects executed by the organisation, among other activities.
Ends
