Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
Genuine unity cannot be commanded by slogans, imposed by authority, or sustained by silence. It grows naturally when people believe that their identity matters, their contributions are recognised, their voices are heard, and their aspirations have a legitimate place within the larger society.
A strong federation is therefore not one in which differences are suppressed, but one in which diversity is treated as a source of strength. Every community should be able to look at the national structure and see itself fairly represented in its institutions, opportunities, development priorities, and future possibilities.
Respect builds trust, and trust is the foundation of unity. Inclusion creates belonging, and belonging gives people a reason to defend, strengthen, and invest in the common good. When citizens and communities feel excluded, neglected, or permanently marginalised, the bonds that hold society together inevitably weaken. But when fairness is visible and opportunity is shared, unity becomes deeper and more enduring.
This is why the aspiration for Ijebu State should be understood within the broader principle of inclusive federalism. It is not a rejection of anyone, nor a call for separation from our collective Nigerian identity. It is an appeal for a structure in which communities can participate more effectively in shaping their own development while contributing even more meaningfully to the strength and prosperity of the federation.
Nigeria becomes stronger when every part of Nigeria feels valued. Our diversity should never be treated as a problem to be managed; it should be organised fairly so that it becomes an engine of development, creativity, cooperation, and national progress.
True unity is not achieved by asking communities to abandon their aspirations. It is achieved by creating a system fair enough to accommodate legitimate aspirations while preserving our shared commitment to one nation.
Unity therefore begins with respect. It grows through inclusion. It is strengthened by fairness. And it endures when every community can confidently say: we belong, we matter, and we have a stake in the future.
That is the kind of unity we should build not unity by compulsion, but unity by confidence, justice, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.”
— Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
