The Gods Are Not to Blame || ▪︎ By Dr Peter Akande
By Dr Peter Akande
August 25th, 2026.
As public discourse turns toward the future of governance across Nigeria, political interactions in Southwestern Nigeria—particularly surrounding federal projects and state-level participation—continue to spark widespread debate. When political friction occurs, the instinct of many observers is to heap blame on local participants, traditional rulers, state leaders, or regional representatives.
Yet, a deeper examination reveals that these actors are caught in a structural crossfire.
Borrowing from the famous literary perspective, the gods are not to blame: individual local figures are not the architects of political disharmony; rather, the responsibility falls squarely on federal governance practices that risk sowing disunity.
A look at Nigeria’s presidential history demonstrates that collaborative governance across party lines is entirely achievable. Past federal administrations under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari maintained a culture of cooperative federalism, routinely engaging state governors regardless of party affiliation. Under these previous leaderships, state governors elected on opposition platforms were recognized as key stakeholders in the national framework and treated as leaders of integral components of the country. This tradition established that federal initiatives should unite citizens rather than divide them along political lines.
When modern federal actions bypass or marginalize state authorities, the blame should not be directed at local traditional rulers or state institutions. Traditional rulers occupy neutral, revered positions meant to promote peace and represent all residents. When a traditional monarch or community leader attends a federal infrastructure event within their domain, they do so out of a duty to honor civic progress and represent their people, not to signal partisan alignment. Expecting these local figures to reject development projects or manage complex intergovernmental friction misplaces responsibility. The administrative breakdown stems from federal agencies and partisan actors failing to properly coordinate with state leadership prior to public events.
Protecting regional unity in Oyo State and across the Southwest requires a return to collaborative federalism. Public infrastructure—whether roads, bridges, or social services—is built with taxpayer money and belongs to all citizens. Federal institutions must ensure that public projects are executed with inclusive, transparent coordination with elected state administrations. Treating state leadership with respect preserves social cohesion and prevents unnecessary division within local communities.
Ultimately, governance is best served when public officials prioritize administrative harmony over political leverage.
The people of Oyo State and the broader Southwest thrive when federal and state institutions work in partnership. By recognizing that local actors are not to blame and demanding responsible federal policy, the region can preserve its history of unity, civic dignity, and shared progress.
