The details of the meeting between the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have emerged.
Adams advised Obi to make restructuring of Nigeria main agenda of his government if elected.
The Aare Onakakanfo gave the advice during a meeting with the LP flag bearer on Wednesday in Lagos.
“Anybody that wants to be the Nigerian president should restructure the country into federating units where each region will develop at their pace,” Mr Adams said.
Speaking further, he said, “Our founding fathers agreed on an enduring template of federalism based on the independent constitution of 1960, but the military came and thwarted our polity by changing federalism to unitary system, after a year there was a civil war in 1967 and shortly thereafter, our living together was based on mutual suspicion.
“With all your beautiful ideas, if Nigeria is not restructured to regionalism, it will be very difficult to achieve.”
Emphasising the purpose of the meeting Mr Adams, said the visit was not an endorsement but an opportunity for Mr Obi to present his party’s blueprint.
“Your visit is not an endorsement but it is an opportunity for you to present the blueprint of your party to us as an organisation.
“With the point you have highlighted so far, it is my hope that you are a man of integrity. My prayer is that God will grant your heart’s desires,” Mr Adams said.
The Aare Onakakanfo appreciated Mr Obi’s visit, describing it as a “gesture and respect for the revered stool of the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land. It is a show of your passion and dedication.
“Your (Obi) respect for the stool of the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land is a reflection of your understanding of Nigeria’s problems.
“As the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, leader of the OPC and global convener of the OPU, we are neutral for now. However, we will discuss the issue at the various meetings of our stakeholders both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.”