Senior Lawyer Calls for Complete Overhaul of 1999 Constitution, Says Amendments Are Futile

By Diafa Doubra,

Legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun, has called for a total overhaul of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, describing it as outdated and unfit to address the country’s pressing challenges.

Speaking during a public lecture, Olanipekun argued that the constitution, handed down by the military, lacks the legitimacy and inclusiveness required for genuine nation-building. He said repeated amendments by the National Assembly have failed to tackle the root problems confronting Nigeria’s governance structure.

According to him, “What Nigeria needs is not piecemeal amendments, but a brand-new, people-driven constitution that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians.”

He stressed that the current document has become a “patchwork of contradictions” and urged political leaders to prioritize a holistic constitutional conference where Nigerians from all walks of life can decide how they want to be governed.

Olanipekun emphasized that true federalism, justice, and equity can only thrive when the country adopts a constitution that truly emanates from the people rather than one imposed by the military.