JAALS 7.0 CONFERENCE
On July 11, 2025, the JAALS Foundation proudly hosted the 7th edition of the Justice Pius Olayiwola Aderemi Annual Lecture Series in Ibadan, Oyo State. This year’s theme “The Politics of Federalism: Power Dynamics Among the Tiers of Government” captured the urgency of Nigeria’s ongoing governance crisis and offered a bold platform for reform-oriented dialogue.
The conference, anchored by Mr. Dele Balogun, opened with a national anthem and welcoming address. Goodwill messages poured in, commending the Foundation and the family of Hon. Justice Pius Aderemi, JSC, for preserving his enduring legacy and confronting some of the most pressing constitutional questions of our time.
In one of the remarks, Justice T.M. Abdulganiyu, Presiding Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal emphasized that the Nigerian federation must evolve into a truly functional and inclusive system one where power is balanced, accountability is deepened, and governance reflects the aspirations of every Nigerian.
Mrs. Opeyemi Adamolekun, Executive Director of Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, delivered a compelling opening intervention, using the upcoming Lagos State local government elections as a case study to explore federalism’s practical breakdown.
She exposed alarming electoral irregularities, including:
a. Poor stakeholder engagement and civic awareness
b. Delayed and inaccessible candidate lists
c. Violations of the Electoral Act 2022
d. Disenfranchisement of citizens in LCDAs from voting for their constitutionally recognized LG chairmen
Her insights underscored how political manipulation of federal structures often leaves citizens excluded, disempowered, and unheard.
The keynote speaker delivered a penetrating analysis of how Nigeria’s federalism functions more like a centralized unitary system in practice. His address traced the political distortions that have turned the promise of local government autonomy into a paper reality.
Key takeaways included:
• The central government holds disproportionate power over states and local governments.
• The 2024 Supreme Court ruling on LG autonomy was a breakthrough—but without political will, implementation remains elusive.
• Structural imbalances obstruct local innovation, governance responsiveness, and accountability.
• Reforms must be anchored in constitutional clarity, legal activism, and sustained civic engagement.
The keynote was widely praised for its courage, clarity, and timeliness.
A high-level panel, moderated by Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, SAN, offered diverse reflections on Nigeria’s federal dysfunction. Justice Akeredolu called for a stronger, fiscally independent judiciary that is shielded from political manipulation. Aare Isiaka Olagunju, SAN stressed that Nigeria’s federalism is structurally flawed and must be reformed through grassroots legal consciousness and civic pressure. Rt. Hon. Shaibu represented by Dr. Ramon Mojoroh reflected on governance realities, noting that local government autonomy is routinely undermined despite legal protections. Prof. Oyewo offered a striking metaphor: Nigeria is like “a stagnant elephant”—powerful but paralyzed by entrenched interests and constitutional ambiguities.
As part of the day’s celebrations, the family of Hon. Justice L.O. Arasi was honored with a posthumous award for his distinguished service to the judiciary and his long-standing friendship with the late Justice Aderemi.
In a nod to the future, Latona Adedeji Emmanuel, President of JAALS Students Connect, shared updates on student-led initiatives. He presented the group’s upcoming civic project titled “PLOGGING” and advocated for increased mentorship and sponsorship to equip students for transformative leadership.
At the JAALS Foundation, we believe that legal discourse is not merely academic it is a tool for transformation. The 7th Annual Lecture Series reaffirmed our conviction that constitutional reform, civic responsibility, and rule of law are non-negotiables in building a Nigeria that works for all.
