Professor Emmanuel O. Ojo, a political scientist at the University of Ilorin, has called for the repeal of the Land Use Act to allow communities benefit directly from their mineral resources.
Speaking during the university’s 291st Inaugural Lecture titled “The Worship of an Unknown Deity,” Ojo said the current law “robs Peter to pay Paul,” as it centralizes control of natural wealth.
He suggested that while royalties from solid minerals should go to the federal purse, states should manage the resources within their boundaries. According to him, a restructured federal system is essential for national growth, efficiency, and unity.
Ojo also advocated the revival of local governments, a fairer revenue allocation formula, and citizenship rights for residents who have lived in any state for at least ten years.
He called on the Federal Government to strengthen the federal character principle, extend it to infrastructure distribution, and begin work on a new constitution that truly reflects the people’s will.
“The present constitution,” he said, “is a legacy of military rule and cannot deliver genuine federalism.”
