…lauds Awujale as OOU celebrates monarch at 91
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called for attitudinal change among Nigerians if the fight against corruption and insecurity in the country is to succeed. He said the citizens must fight corruption not by merely responding but by building a system that prevents corruption itself, adding that it has become imperative for Nigeria to chart the course forward from response to resilience in addressing its security challenges.
Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), gave the charge on Saturday, 10th May, 2025 while delivering the 9th Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Annual Professorial Lecture organised by Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. The lecture entitled, “Corruption and National Security: Impacts and Consequences,” was part of activities marking the 91st birthday of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona GCON, who is the longest reigning monarch in the world.
The NSA, who was represented by the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, lamented the evils of corruption on the Nigerian nation and its security, stressing that there was need for a paradigm shift in the country’s anti-corruption efforts from reactive crackdowns to proactive prevention. According to him, corruption has become endemic and not peculiar to the government but also individuals.
“Corruption undermines the very fabric of state legitimacy. It weakens institutions, diverts critical resources and fuels grievances that non-state actors exploit. We cannot talk about insecurity in Nigeria without acknowledging that corruption has played a role in eroding public trust, compromising law enforcement effectiveness and in some cases, enabling impunity,” Ribadu noted.
“Whether it is the diversion of funds meant for military hardware or the undermining of due process in arms procurement, the impact is clear: weak national capacity to respond to threats,” he added. The former EFCC boss, however, emphasised that Nigerians must prioritise a system that prevents corruption rather than one that is reactive. He also advocated a model that not only identifies the root of insecurity but also charts the course forward from response to resilience.
He said, “Nigeria’s security challenges are not beyond redemption but the path to their resolution runs through the corridors of integrity, leadership and institutional reform. We must fight corruption not by responding but by building a system that prevents corruption itself.”
“Arrest and prosecution of corrupt officials and individuals are only reactive. We must build a system where people cannot be corrupt even if theywant to be. This is what the President is doing with our assistance.”
“So, the fight must be institutional. It must also be attitudinal. People must resolve to fight corruption, it cannot only be government, it must be individuals. We also must not give and we should not take bribe. What is commonwealth, we should resolve not to steal,” Ribadu declared.
Speaking on national security, the NSA disclosed that over 160,000 Boko Haram combatants have surrendered, more than 300 commanders have been neutralised, and 2,500 insurgents have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into society under the present administration.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, we have embraced a security model anchored on shared responsibility. As Mr. President has said, we must build a secure and self-reliant Nigeria, one that produces what it needs and protects what it values. This principle is reflected in our emphasis on homegrown solutions. Whether it is through local production of defence equipment or community-led deradicalisation programmes, the fight against insecurity must involve everyone,” he said.
Ribadu, who used the occasion to pay glowing tribute to the Awujale, described Oba Adetona as an upright, passionate and committed traditional ruler. He noted that at his old age, the monarch was still active in the fight against corruption and promotion of good governance.
“His selfless service to humanity, enduring support for education, and commitment to good governance stand as a beacon of visionary leadership. At 91 years of age, Kabiyesi remains an extraordinary symbol of dignity, wisdom, and peace. May his reign continue to be long, impactful and crowned with tranquility,” the Guest Lecturer added.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ogun State and Visitor to the University, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, expressed delight that the Awujale’s reign had been defined by courage, progress and visionary leadership.
For over six decades, he pointed out, Oba Adetona has continued to serve as a moral compass and highly respected custodian of culture whose noble and selfless contributions to building a virile, prosperous and democratic Nigeria is worthy of emulation by all.
While praying God to preserve the traditional ruler for more fruitful years, the Governor affirmed that the state and the country at large would continue to celebrate him for being a beacon of good governance, selfless service, statesmanship and a role model of uncommon standing.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of OOU, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, OON, in his address on the occasion, hailed the Awujale as a living legend in leadership and traditional royalty, pointing out that he remained the “most generous individual benefactor” of the University.
Prof. Ashiru said, “Kabiyesi’s impact on Olabisi Onabanjo University is monumental. His endowment fund laid the foundation for the now renowned Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies. But he didn’t stop there — he gave us buildings, residences, a multipurpose hall, a Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge, and even upgraded the roads on campus!
“This School of Governance has grown in leaps and bounds. It is not just a University unit — it is now a national centre of excellence, officially affiliated with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). And now, the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken it a step further — formally adopting the school into the national policy architecture. OOU is now shaping the minds of leaders and the future of our country.” “What makes Kabiyesi’s legacy especially powerful is not just his generosity, but the values he lives by. For over six decades, he has stood for integrity, truth, and moral courage. He has taught us that tradition and transparency can go hand in hand — that a leader must not only wear a crown but also carry a conscience,” he further submitted.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, extolled the virtues of Oba Adetona, describing him as a courageous leader, renowned educationist and philanthropist par excellence.
Prof. Agboola conveyed the heartfelt felicitations of the Council, Management, Staff and Students ofthe University to the monarch and prayed God to grant him more years and good health to impact humanity.
While giving the vote of thanks, the Chairperson of the Governing Board of Oba (Dr.) S. K. Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance, Princess Adetoun Adetona-Daramola, appreciatedeveryone that identified with and felicitated her father on the auspicious occasion. In attendance at the event held at the Ogbagba Hall of the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies (NIPSS-OSKASOGS), Ago-Iwoye were the Principal Officers of the University, traditional rulers, captains of industries and eminent personalities from all walks of life.
