Hostility is not journalism, Showunmi tells Mehdi Hassan

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has criticised broadcaster Mehdi Hasan over his recent interview with presidential spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, describing the exchange as hostile rather than professional journalism.

Showunmi said the interview crossed the line between tough questioning and outright hostility, arguing that what viewers witnessed was “an attempted public ambush” rather than a serious engagement.

In a statement, Showunmi said, “There is a clear difference between tough journalism and outright hostility. One serves the public interest. The other serves the ego of the interviewer.”

He added, “Unfortunately, the recent exchange between Mehdi Hasan and presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala fell squarely into the latter category.”

According to him, the tone of the interview from the beginning was aggressively confrontational and appeared designed to embarrass the guest rather than inform the public.

“From the outset, the tone was aggressively confrontational. Questions were framed less as inquiries into governance and more as prosecutorial traps. Responses were repeatedly interrupted before they could develop. Clarifications were brushed aside,” he said.

Showunmi stated that the atmosphere of the interview made it clear that it was not designed as a genuine conversation.

“The atmosphere was unmistakable: this was not a conversation designed to inform viewers but a spectacle designed to embarrass the guest,” he added.

He stressed that serious journalism requires discipline and balance, noting that difficult questions should still allow interviewees the opportunity to provide clear answers.

“The craft of interviewing demands discipline. It requires the ability to ask difficult questions while still allowing the guest to articulate answers. It requires intellectual confidence strong enough to permit disagreement without descending into open hostility,” he said.

Showunmi further argued that the interview missed an opportunity to interrogate the Nigerian government on key national issues.

“Nigeria is currently grappling with a range of serious national challenges — economic restructuring, security threats, governance reforms, and the complex work of stabilising a large and dynamic democracy,” he said.

“A responsible interviewer would have used the opportunity to interrogate the administration’s policies on these matters: What strategies are being deployed? What reforms are underway? What outcomes should citizens expect?” he added.

He maintained that the programme instead focused on “selective outrage and repetitive interruption.”

“Instead, viewers were treated to an exercise in selective outrage and repetitive interruption,” he said.

Showunmi also faulted what he described as insinuations in the interview that political realignment was illegitimate.

“Democratic politics is built on shifting alliances. Individuals and movements evolve. Former opponents become partners when national circumstances demand cooperation,” he said.

“This is neither shocking nor dishonourable; it is one of the defining characteristics of democratic political life.”

He warned that journalism risks losing credibility when interviewers resort to ridicule or humiliation.

“A journalist who openly ridicules or repeatedly attempts to humiliate a guest crosses an important professional boundary.

“The role of the interviewer is to hold power accountable, not to behave like a courtroom prosecutor seeking a viral ‘gotcha’ moment," he said.

Showunmi added that audiences deserved interviews that focused on policy and governance rather than spectacle.

“They deserve interviews that illuminate policy, probe governance, and help citizens understand how leaders intend to confront the pressing challenges of the day.

“What they do not need is a theatrical performance in which hostility is mistaken for intellectual rigour.” he stated.

Showunmi faults presidential spokesperson Bwala over Mehdi Hassan interview

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has criticised the recent interview performance of presidential spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, during an appearance with British journalist Mehdi Hassan, saying it highlighted the importance of professionalism and preparation in government communication.

Showunmi, in a commentary titled 'When Spokespersons Falter: Lessons in Strategic Communication', argued that public communication at the highest levels of government requires discipline, strategic thinking and extensive preparation.

According to him, the role of a spokesperson is one of the most demanding assignments in political leadership because it lies at the intersection of policy, perception and national reputation.

He said, “Public communication at the highest levels of government is not a casual undertaking. The role of a spokesperson is one of the most demanding assignments in political leadership because it sits at the intersection of policy, perception, and national reputation.”

The PDP chieftain noted that every word, tone, gesture and response from a government spokesperson contributes to how both domestic and international audiences judge an administration.

“Every word, tone, gesture, and response becomes part of the narrative through which both domestic and international audiences judge a government,” he said.

Showunmi added that facing experienced international interviewers such as Hassan requires more than political loyalty, stressing that such engagements are high-stakes exercises in narrative management.

“Confronting seasoned international interviewers such as Mehdi Hassan is not merely a media appearance; it is a high-stakes exercise in narrative management,” he said.

He further stated that effective spokespersons are rarely accidental performers, explaining that expertise in political communication is often built through years of experience in campaign messaging, media briefings, crisis communication and policy translation.

Showunmi referenced the widely discussed “10,000-hour rule”, popularised by author Malcolm Gladwell, to illustrate the level of practice required to achieve mastery in complex professions.

“The difference between seasoned communicators and inexperienced voices becomes evident under pressure,” he said.

According to him, professional spokespersons understand how to manage hostile questions without appearing evasive and often rely on structured communication frameworks that keep discussions anchored to the principal’s key policy messages.

He said the interview process should never revolve around the spokesperson personally but rather focus on defending and explaining the policies of the leader or institution they represent.

“The interview is never about the spokesperson. It is about defending, explaining, and contextualising the decisions of the leader or institution they represent,” Showunmi added.

He also stressed the importance of message discipline, warning that spokespersons should resist the temptation to make statements aimed at pleasing narrow political audiences.

“The true target is the broad middle: undecided citizens, neutral observers, and international audiences whose perceptions influence the credibility of a government,” he said.

Showunmi further emphasised the need for situational awareness in media engagements, noting that spokespersons must understand the style of interview platforms, the methods of interviewers and the expectations of their audiences.

Preparation, he said, should include anticipating potential lines of questioning and crafting responses that maintain composure while advancing the government’s narrative.

He also highlighted the role of non-verbal communication, saying tone of voice, cadence, posture and gestures contribute significantly to how audiences perceive credibility.

For governments, Showunmi said the lesson from such interviews is institutional rather than personal, calling for greater investment in professional communication training.

“Strategic communication should be treated as a professional discipline requiring training, mentorship, and continuous preparation,” he said.

He noted that many successful administrations invest in communication war rooms, message simulation exercises and spokesperson coaching to prepare their representatives for difficult interviews.

“In an era where a single media appearance can circulate globally within minutes, spokesperson performance is no longer a minor detail of governance. It is part of statecraft,” he said.

Showunmi added that Nigeria would benefit from deeper investment in professional communication training for officials tasked with representing public institutions.

“Competence in this field is rarely a matter of instinct. It is the result of preparation, experience, and respect for the demanding craft of strategic communication,” he stated.

Odofin Sowunmi vows to rally Keesi indigenes for development

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and Convener of The Alternative Movement, Segun Showunmi, has pledged to mobilise indigenes of Keesi at home and in the diaspora for accelerated development following his installation as the Odofin of Keesi Town in Egbaland.

Showunmi was formally installed on Wednesday at the Ogboni House, Keesi, Abeokuta, amid fanfare, traditional rites and commendations from community leaders and residents.

Speaking shortly after the ceremony, the former Ogun State governorship aspirant described the Odofin stool as a strategic and historic office deeply rooted in the heritage of Keesi, noting that it comes with a responsibility to unite and reposition the community for sustainable progress.

He expressed gratitude to the elders and people of the town for what he called a “profound honour,” adding that the title is traditionally associated with the Akiroku family, from which he hails.

“My grandfather held this title. My father is the present Balogun and my uncle is the Apena. With many of our leaders advancing in age, it is important for the younger generation to step forward and contribute meaningfully to community development,” he said.

Showunmi stressed that his immediate priority would be to rally Keesi indigenes across generations and locations to support a structured development agenda for the town.

He described Keesi as one of four communities that originated from the same ancestral homestead, emphasising that it remains the eldest among them and has historically played a leading role in Egbaland.

Highlighting the town’s legacy, he noted that Keesi distinguished itself early as a pacesetter, being among the first communities in the area to establish a community hall, school, clinic and local power infrastructure.

“We know who we are and we are confident in our identity. By the grace of God, we will continue to add value and drive more development to our people,” he stated.

As part of his development drive, Showunmi disclosed that he recently commissioned a comprehensive needs assessment involving indigenes both at home and abroad to identify priority areas requiring urgent intervention.

According to him, the report will soon be submitted, after which a committee will be constituted to translate its recommendations into actionable projects.

He explained that the initiative is designed to ensure that development efforts are data-driven, inclusive and reflective of the aspirations of the people.

The PDP stalwart further argued that meaningful national transformation must begin at the grassroots, adding that communities must take deliberate steps to organise themselves and harness their human and material resources.

“If you are given the opportunity to transform a state, you can begin from your own community and use it as a model for wider development,” he said.

Some indigenes who spoke at the event said Showunmi’s installation was in recognition of his sustained contributions to the socio-economic growth of the town and his demonstrated leadership within and beyond Ogun State.

They expressed confidence that his emergence as Odofin would strengthen unity among Keesi indigenes, attract fresh investments and accelerate infrastructural and social development in t

he community and its environs.

Egba Economic Summit demands completion of abandoned Abeokuta–Alapako road

Egba leaders under the aegis of the Egba Economic Summit Group have raised the alarm over the prolonged delay in the completion of the Abeokuta Idi-Aba–OGTV–Ajebo–Obafemi–Alapako express road, warning that the stalled project poses serious risks to economic development and security in Ogun State.

In a letter dated January 16, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, the group said the slow pace of work on the strategic federal road was unacceptable, noting that the project had dragged on for years despite itsh importance as a link to the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The letter, signed by the President of the summit, Dr Gbenga Adeoye, was also copied to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; the Osile of Oke Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola; former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; and the Babalaje of Egbaland, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye.

While acknowledging ongoing federal infrastructure projects across the country, the group said it was compelled to draw attention to the Abeokuta road due to its economic significance.

“We bring warm greetings to you and your entire team on the various Renewed Hope Projects going on across the country. One of it, is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway which also passed through Ijebu Water Side in Ogun State as well as the award of Badagry-Sokoto Road which passed through Soyoye Rounder area in Abeokuta. The night repairs of Sango-Abeokuta Road is also worthy of note and commendable. We appreciate that,” the letter read partly.

Describing itself as non-partisan, the summit praised President Bola Tinubu and members of his cabinet, including the minister of works, but said it had a responsibility to speak out where critical projects were stalled.

“While we have a duty to commend the government when we see performance, we also have a collective duty imposed on us as Egba people to call the attention of government to any project(s) that is of economic importance especially where execution of such project(s) is slow, stagnant and sometimes, not even conceived,” the group stated.

The summit expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the road after initial sections within Abeokuta city.

“In view of the above, we hereby call your attention to the slow pace of work on Abeokuta Idi-Aba-OGTV-Ajebo-obafemi-express Road which passed through the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, all the way through OGTV to Obafemi and Ajebo to link the Lagos-Ibadan Express Way,” the letter said.

It warned against a reduction in construction standards outside the city centre.

“We also request that you ensure the designed standard is not lowered after the segment that passed through Abeokuta City, especially in areas that passed through villages as contractors have a way of dropping standards after leaving the main city, thereby reducing durability in some parts of the road,” the letter read.

Listing eight major concerns, the group noted that the project was awarded during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari but remains incomplete.

“The project has dragged for too long, having been awarded during the administration of President Buhari,” it said.

It added that while the stretch from the Federal Medical Centre to Chrisland University was motorable, conditions worsened afterwards.

“The segment in the town from Federal Medical Centre up to Chrisland University appears good but shortly after, it has become difficult for people to drive through,” the added.

The summit also warned that the abandoned road could stall the take-off of the newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta.

“The newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences has its 170 hectares permanent site on the same road at Ajibayo Village and there is no way they can move from their current temporary site to that location if that road construction remains abandoned, stagnant, or slow,” the letter stated.

According to the group, the road also serves as an alternative route to the old Ibadan–Abeokuta road and has the potential to decongest traffic on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

“The road is useful in decongesting regular traffic and gridlocks at Ogere axis of Lagos Ibadan expressway as motorist going to Abeokuta from Ibadan and vice versa will not need to drive through Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange,” it said.

The summit further argued that the road could transform communities around Ajebo into an industrial hub.

“The road is capable of transforming the economic landscape of Obafe-Ajebo area… [and] will create an industrial hub around Ajebo town and villages like, Erunwon, Abiona Mosafejo and Olosun among others.”

Lamenting the hardship faced by motorists, the group said excavation works had worsened travel conditions.

“Excavation done on the road has now made life very difficult for motorist, whereas it was a smooth drive through as well as a short-cut to Ibadan when it was constructed by the administration of Chief Olusegun Osoba during his tenure as the governor of Ogun State,” it was added

The Egba leaders urged the minister to intervene urgently.

“In view of the above, we plead that urgent action be taken to ensure speedy completion so as it will have direct positive impact on the economy of Egbaland, Ogun state and Nigeria,” the letter said.

They also prayed for adequate funding for the Ministry of Works to complete the project and o

ther ongoing federal roads.

Alake, Olowu back new Abeokuta master plan, laud Egba Economic Summit initiatives

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and the Olowu of Owu, Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, have given their full backing to the initiatives of the Egba Economic Summit in constituting a committee to prepare the New Abeokuta Master Plan. 

The plan covers the six local government areas in Ogun Central Senatorial District, namely Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ewekoro, Odeda, Obafemi Owode, and Ifo.

The committee, tasked with drafting the new master plan, is composed of seasoned professionals from various fields. 

Captain Temilola Okesanjo, a foundation member of EES, has been appointed chairman. Other members include Prof. Oyesiku, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, Engr. Bayo Adeola, and Dr. Gbenga Adeoye, President of the EES. The EES Administrative Secretary will serve as the committee secretary.

Adeoye described the team as highly competent, noting that his role is largely observational, while also helping to raise funds to ensure the project’s success.

Speaking during the event, the Olowu of Owu expressed his support for all developmental initiatives in Egbaland and pledged to back the EES advocacy for projects across the six local governments. 

He also urged urgent action on key infrastructure projects, including the Ajebo-Idi Aba Express Road, stressing its importance as an alternative route from Abeokuta to Ibadan and as access to the permanent site of the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA).

The summit president highlighted plans to scrutinise Ogun State’s 2026 budget to track capital projects in the Central Senatorial District, ensuring proper follow-up and implementation.

Okesanjo, in his remarks, lamented the state of many areas in Abeokuta, stressing that development must be controlled and that some historical structures should not be sold to preserve the city’s tourism potential. 

The team inspected heritage sites around Olumo Rock, including Adagba Street, Sodeke, Ikija, and Erunwon, identifying buildings to be preserved.

Chief Olusola Adeoye, the Osupori of Owu Kingdom, commended the summit’s agenda, urging Dr. Adeoye to remain steadfast despite potential opposition from those resistant to progress.

The Olowu further assured EES of his collaboration with the Alake to see the New Abeokuta Master Plan come to fruition, to ensure timely completion of the Ajebo-Idi Aba Road, and to revive Abeokuta City Centre along with other developmental projects. 

He emphasised that selfless leadership is critical to sustainable development, praising the members of EES for their commitment, As he described professionals like Engr Ola Sobande of Shell, Yinka Chris Coker, Bunmi Lawson, and Surakatu Lateef as exemplary leaders.

Dr. Adeoye also commended the Federal Ministry of Works, led by Engr. David Umahi, for initiating night repairs on the Sango-Otta-Abeokuta-Ewekoro road, urging further attention to roads linking Apata-Ibadan, Abeokuta, and the OGTV-Ajebo stretch to unlock economic potential for towns and villages in the area.

All stakeholders agreed on the collective responsibility of the Egba people to prevent any acts that could impede development for selfish interests.

Egba Economic Summit Group urges Ogun to revive Abeokuta city centre

ABUJA – The Egba Economic Summit Group has called on the Ogun State Government and all relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene and revive the Abeokuta City Centre in Oke-Ilewo, warning that the dilapidated state of the project could have serious economic and security implications for the state capital.

In a statement signed by the President of the Summit Group, Dr Gbenga Adeoye, the organisation described the Oke Ilewo area as “the commercial nerves of Abeokuta” and stressed that it has historically been central to the economic and administrative life of the state.

“The Oke Ilewo in Abeokuta is well known as the commercial nerve of our city, ahead of Sapon in terms of elite activities, and it is the closest to Ibara GRA in terms of value and standard. It serves as the cluster for banks in the state capital. Apart from that, it used to be the state secretariat. As a matter of fact, the governor’s office used to be at Oke Ilewo and that should be a tourist centre today for generations unborn to visit and connect with the history of the state creation,” the statement read.

Dr. Adeoye highlighted the presence of major public and private institutions in the area, including OPIC, Gateway Mortgage Bank, First Avenue Road, Access Bank, GTBank, Central Bank of Nigeria, and Simeon Adebo Library, noting that the region has the potential to become a thriving economic and cultural hub if properly managed.

“In the design of Abeokuta City Centre, Access Bank and GTBank were meant to build their regional offices, and GTBank Plc has fulfilled that promise with the most gigantic structure in the city centre. The place consists of shopping malls and an amphitheatre if completed. Around the city centre is Nigerian Police Mobile Force, Zone 2. The Central Bank of Nigeria and Simeon Adebo Library are all in the area. Overlooking the city centre is the house of the former Interim Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan. That is another tourist centre. The city centre should consist of structures like Providus Bank standing opposite, not far from OPIC roundabout,” it said.

The group warned that without immediate intervention, the area could become a hideout for criminals, undermining both security and economic potential.

“Our team visited the area on Monday, 5th January, 2026, and the pictures taken from various elevations of the structure indicate that if nothing is done urgently, the place will become a hideout for criminals.

“It is dirty and does not befit the area to have such a situation around a regional bank, CBN, and OPIC building. We must copy Lagos in ensuring no asset is allowed to waste away,” the group added.

Adeoye urged stakeholders to set aside personal interests and engage in dialogue or arbitration to resolve disputes surrounding land use and ownership, emphasizing the greater public interest.

“Although there are issues around the purpose for which land was released for secretariat many years back, and the need to carry the original owner along if there is a change of use, development of the city centre as a project that can uplift the economy of Ogun State and the state capital appears as a good public interest and can be made to override other personal desire and interest if proper dialogue is adopted in the form of arbitration,” he stated, adding that security and economic well-being of Ogun State is more important than any other personal interest.

The group also offered to play a vital role in resolving the dispute, in collaboration with major traditional rulers in Ogun Central Senatorial District.

“We hereby plead with the Government of Ogun State and all stakeholders to sit on a round table in the interest of the overall economic well-being of our state. The state capital should not have this kind of asset wasting away after spending hundreds of millions or even billions, whether from government purse or private pocket.

“Without any partisan consideration, we plead with government and all stakeholders to come to a round table and get this matter resolved. We are willing to nominate our members to join in finding a lasting solution to this problem. The location of the city centre is too unique and special to be left abandoned to rot away.”

Adeoye concluded the statement by urging Ogun State indigenes and government to invest in the development of the state in 2026, based on its comparative economic advantages.

“While wishing all Egbas and all Ogun State indigenes a Happy New Year, we pray and request that government and all well-to-do people from Ogun State should invest in the development of our dear Gateway State in 2026 in various sectors of the economy based on comparative advantage of Ogun State,” the statement said.

Alake, Obadara felicitate Adeoye at New Year thanksgiving

 

Prominent traditional rulers, politicians, professionals and clerics on Thursday converged on the Abeokuta residence of Dr Gbenga Adeoye to mark the 2026 New Year thanksgiving, an annual event hosted by the chartered accountant and his wife, Mrs Kemi Adeoye.

The gathering, held on January 1, featured prayers, worship, music, dancing and testimonies, drawing dignitaries from across Ogun State and beyond.

This year’s celebration was described by guests as unique, coming barely weeks after Adeoye emerged as President of the Egba Economic Summit, a position he will occupy for a two-year tenure.

Leading the dignitaries was the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who charged Nigerians to embrace hope for the new year, citing Psalm 126. The monarch expressed optimism that 2026 would mark a turning point for the country, particularly in the area of security.

According to him, Nigeria would return to a place where citizens could travel freely without fear, adding that ongoing efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies, in collaboration with international partners, would yield positive results.

The guest preacher, Pastor Funmi Kushimo of Alleluia Christian Chapel, urged Nigerians to draw closer to God in 2026, describing the year as one filled with promise.

Also speaking, the founder and General Overseer of Alleluia Christian Chapel, Pastor Paul Adeniyi Daniel, gave a testimony, thanking God for his recovery from a severe illness that threatened his life in July 2025.

Former senator representing Ogun Central, Gbenga Obadara, said attending the Adeoyes’ New Year thanksgiving had become a tradition for him, praying that the host would continue to receive the grace to open his home to guests every January 1.

Other dignitaries at the event included Dr Tokunbo Gbadebo, the Olori of the Alake of Egbaland; the immediate past President of the Egba Economic Summit, Mr Yinka Chris Coker; Prof and Mrs Odebunmi and their family; Mrs W.M. Soleye, widow of former Finance Minister, Dr Onaolapo Soleye; and Elder Samuel Shittu of Mushilab Limited.

The event also attracted professionals from the oil and gas, legal, accounting and medical sectors, alumni associations, business leaders, as well as staff of Gbenga Adeoye & Co., Global Legal Partners and Rejoice Supermart.

Musical performances by Bukky Emmanuel, Titi Esan and her band kept guests on their feet, while others engaged in indoor games such as table tennis, creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

In his remarks, Adeoye thanked all guests for their presence, describing it as a demonstration of love. and fellowship. He noted that sharing food, music and dance helped to strengthen bonds for the year ahead and pledged to make the celebration even better in 2027.

The Adeoye family also used the occasion to showcase Adire fabrics in various designs, highlighting the cultural heritage of Egbaland and promoting local textile craftsmanship.

Guests described the celebration as symbolic of hop

e and joy for the year 2026.

Feliza multi-billion naira hotel opens in Obada Abeokuta

Feliza Hotel, Obada, Abeokuta, Ogun State 

Ogun State’s entertainment and hospitality industry received a major lift on Saturday with the inauguration of Feliza Hotel and Suites, a new luxury hospitality destination in Obada, Ewekoro Local Government Area.

The over N3bn project is the brainchild of a Canada-based hotelier, Oluwafemi Ayeyemi and is expected to stimulate economic activity in the area while strengthening Ogun’s growing tourism and hospitality profile.

Feliza Hotel and Suites boasts 62 luxury rooms and a wide range of modern facilities, including an elevator, swimming pool, spa, gym, industrial air-conditioning system, three mini conference halls and a 2,500-capacity event centre.

The facility was officially inaugurated by the Chief Promoter of the Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, who cut the tape at the ceremony.

Showunmi commended Ayeyemi’s investment, describing it as “audacious” and capable of transforming the economy of Obada-Oko and its environs.

He, however, urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to extend infrastructure development, particularly road construction, to the area and other parts of the state in order to attract more private investments.

“Out of the joy in my spirit, because this prayer that we pray that our people will love themselves enough to identify with themselves, Femi has not just identified with his place; this location is going on the map. The world is going to know about it, people will come and use it.

“Aside what they are going to spend here, what about the multiplier effect from the environment? What about the number of people who would have been paid to build it? Femi has done a great thing,” he said.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Dr Ololade Kehinde, commended the investor for choosing the hospitality sector, noting that such investments are vital to economic growth.

According to him, businesses can only thrive where people are able to live, work, rest and interact comfortably within an enabling environment.

In his remarks, Ayeyemi said the hotel was the result of a seven-year journey and an investment of over N3bn.

He explained that the facility was designed to meet Lagos hospitality standards and operates a unique two-in-one concept that allows guests to host events and lodge in the same location.

Ayeyemi identified poor road infrastructure as a major challenge discouraging diaspora investors from committing funds to Nigeria, urging the Ogun State Government to prioritise road development.

“No serious investor will put huge resources in an area with poor access roads,” he said.

Authoritarian nations outpacing democracies in development — Showunmi

 

Segun Showunnmi 

The Convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has said that authoritarian nations are developing faster than democracies, arguing that concentrated authority, when competently applied, delivers results with a speed and precision that liberal systems often fail to achieve.

In an article titled ’Can Authoritarianism Build Faster’, Showunmi examined what he called the “efficiency paradox” — the ability of non-democratic systems to achieve large-scale development despite global preference for democracy.

He questioned why centralised states such as China, Singapore, and South Korea during their developmental years could mobilise resources, plan long-term, and implement large projects effectively, while many democratic governments remained trapped in cycles of debate and delay.

“The question is not moral but empirical. Concentrated authority, when competent and strategically deployed, has proven capable of generating growth at a speed liberal democracies can rarely match,” be said.

He noted that China’s rapid economic transformation, which lifted over 800 million people out of poverty within four decades, demonstrates the potential of a coordinated governance model. He compared this with the gridlock and short-termism that often characterise democratic institutions.

“Democracies today are louder but less effective. They produce elections, but not direction; expression, but not execution,” he argued.

Showunmi, a public affairs commentator said liberal democracies are suffering from “institutional fatigue”, warning that unless they evolve to deliver tangible prosperity, they risk losing legitimacy.

“Liberal democracies face a reckoning. Their ideals remain noble, but their institutions increasingly appear unfit for the speed and scale of modern challenges.”

According to him, the world must begin to assess governments not by ideology but by performance, by their ability to improve lives, reduce poverty, and expand opportunity.

“Political systems must be judged by outcomes, by their ability to deliver stability, competence, and prosperity at scale,” he wrote.

He argued that while democracies are built on freedom and deliberation, they have become bogged down by populism, short electoral cycles, and media-driven policymaking that favour temporary applause over strategic results.

“Governance cannot afford permanent debate,” he warned.

Showunmi drew parallels from history, noting that no nation industrialised through procedural democracy alone. 

Britain’s industrialisation, he recalled, was powered by enclosure acts, forced labour and colonial exploitation, while the United States rose through monopolistic excesses during the Gilded Age.

He added that South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, all of which are now celebrated as democratic success stories, were authoritarian during their formative decades.

“In every case, prosperity preceded political liberalisation. Democracy was the outcome of development, not its engine,” he noted.

He further accused Western analysts of hypocrisy for celebrating their own histories of coercive industrialisation while condemning the centralised efficiency of Asian models.

“When China lifts 800 million people from poverty, we call it authoritarianism. But when the British Empire industrialised through famine, forced labour, and colonial extraction, we called it progress. The double standard is revealing,” he noted.

According to him, the 21st century belongs to states that can combine the discipline of authority with the legitimacy of participation — countries that blend democratic consent with technocratic competence.

“The twenty-first century may therefore belong to states that combine disciplined governance with selective participation — systems that prize expertise and continuity as much as they do consent,” he stated.

Showunmi clarified that his position was not an endorsement of authoritarianism but a call for democracy to evolve into a more decisive, performance-oriented model.

“These are not rejections of democracy, but recalibrations of it. If democracies cannot deliver tangible prosperity, they risk ceding both moral and practical ground to systems they have long dismissed as inferior,” he warned.

He concluded that while democracy remains a noble aspiration, it must prove its worth in the modern age by combining freedom with efficiency and direction with delivery.

“The pursuit of freedom and the pursuit of progress are not always synchronised. The challenge before the global order is to reconcile them before the credibility of democracy itself becomes a casualty of its inefficiency,” he wrote.

Showunmi’s The Alternative seeks automatic seat loss for party defectors

 Group pushes constitutional changes to curb political tourism

Segun Showunmi 

A political advocacy group, The Alternative, has unveiled a detailed set of proposed constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening political parties as the central pillars of Nigeria’s democratic development, reducing opportunistic defections, and ensuring that candidates are firmly rooted in party ideology before contesting elections.

The proposals, contained in a policy paper titled “Strengthening Political Parties as Pillars of Democracy – Principles for Nigeria’s Democratic Development” and convened by Otunba Segun Showunmi, seek amendments to four key sections of the 1999 Constitution — Sections 65(2)(b), 106(d), 131(c), and 177(c).

According to the document, the amendments would “substitute the existing provisions with a new paragraph to read: ‘He is a member of a political party for the last four years and is sponsored by that party, except where a party is defunct and he joins another or where the party is newly formed.’”

Explaining the rationale, the group said, “The overarching proposed amendments… are meticulously designed to ensure that candidates vying for legislative and executive offices are rigorously vetted by their political parties in alignment with a system where parties, not ‘strongmen,’ drive national development.”

It stressed that the initiative would ensure “the fortification of fundamental rights, broadening protections against discrimination and fostering greater participation in an increasingly evolving democracy; enhancement of institutional accountability, reshaping judicial, electoral, and oversight mechanisms to reinforce transparency and public trust in governance; amplification of local governance structures to encourage equitable resource distribution and participatory decision-making; promotion of economic and social justice, incorporating provisions that guarantee equitable access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities; and recognition of the right to a clean and sustainable environment as a constitutional imperative.”

Automatic forfeiture for defectors

One of the strongest provisions in the proposal is an anti-defection measure that would compel any elected official who defects from the party that sponsored them to “forfeit their seat, thereby triggering a by-election to fill the vacancy.” The policy further recommends a “moratorium on re-election” under which “defectors shall be barred from contesting under another party for a minimum of one electoral cycle (four years).”

On the objectives, the group stated: “Institutionalise party supremacy; replace personality-driven politics with party-based governance, ensuring candidates are accountable to their parties’ ideologies and manifestos. Eradicate cross-carpeting; mandate a four-year party membership and sponsorship requirement for eligibility, thereby discouraging defections for personal gain. Promote internal democracy; strengthen party structures to ensure transparent candidate selection and ideological coherence. Enhance electoral credibility; diminish electoral volatility by ensuring candidates have long-term commitments to their parties.”

Strengthening party structures

The Alternative also proposed a “party institutionalisation framework” under which all political parties must “mandatorily personalise their constitutions with explicit ideological principles and provisions.” It adds: “All parties must adopt constitutions delineating their ideological pillars. Candidate nomination processes, which include consensus, direct, or indirect primaries, should be entirely transparent and devoid of imposition. Funding accountability: Parties must disclose sources of funding and undergo annual audits to mitigate godfatherism.”

The document calls for strong oversight by the Independent National Electoral Commission, stating: “INEC shall verify party membership duration via centralized biometric registers and enforce penalties for non-compliance (disqualification).” It further prescribes “public awareness” measures, including “nationwide campaigns to educate voters on party ideologies over personality hijacking.”

Expected results

The group expressed confidence that the reforms would produce “stable party systems” that “will significantly reduce factionalism and promote coherent policy implementation.” It added that “accountability” would be strengthened because “elected officials will remain answerable to party manifestos rather than personal, self-serving interests,” while “reduced electoral violence” would result from “fewer defections minimising post-election litigation, curbing unnecessary violence, and increasing stability in the political landscape.”

The document further notes: “Ideological clarity; voters will find it easier to align with parties based on policies rather than patronage.”

A “sunset clause” is included in the proposal, requiring a review of its impact after 12 years “to assess policy impact on democracy.”

A shift from ‘strongman’ politics

In his concluding remarks, Showunmi said the emphasis on party institutionalisation “will facilitate Nigeria’s transition from a ‘strongman’ democracy to one anchored in robust, ideologically rooted parties. These policy frameworks will effectively curb the destabilising effects of cross-carpeting, foster policy continuity, and align Nigeria with global best practices in party-driven democracies.”

He described the proposals as “a solemn commitment to uphold the sovereignty of the people, the integrity of the nation, and the enduring principles of democracy, justice, and progress for generations to come,” adding: “Let this endeavour reflect the collective resolve to construct a more just, inclusive, and resilient society under the rule of law.”

Ayeyemi’s N4bn hotel to create over 100 jobs in Ogun

A Canada-based Nigerian entrepreneur, Oluwafemi Ayeyemi, has said his N4 billion hospitality investment in Ogun State will create over 100 jobs and boost the local economy, as he urged Nigerians in the diaspora to return home and invest in their communities.

Ayeyemi, who spoke during a tour of his hotel project—Feliza Hotel and Suites—located in the Ijeja community of Obada-Oko, Abeokuta, said the investment was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to economic development and job creation in Nigeria. "I'm leading by example because I want my friends to come back home and invest," Ayeyemi said. "Also, this investment is another way of creating jobs for the people. The hotel will generate between 60 to 100 employment for the people within the community. On the site presently, we have over 300 people working here and a number of them are from the neighbourhood."

Flanked by his wife, Ms Elizabeth Ayeyemi, the hotelier noted that the project, which is expected to be completed by October this year, sits on two acres of land and features a 62-room, three-storey hotel building, a swimming pool, spa, gym, three mini conference halls, and a 2,500-capacity event centre. The African Advocate reports that the Feliza Hotel and Suites is set to redefine the hospitality landscape in Ogun State and serve as a beacon for diaspora-led investments. Ayeyemi, however, expressed concern over the poor condition of roads leading to the project site and appealed for government support to improve infrastructure in the area. According to him, he has already spent about N5 million on palliative work on the road, which continues to deteriorate due to erosion.

"We will do all our best to make it motorable. We can't do it alone. We need the government's assistance. This is just a road within a community, if you go to the major roads, they're all bad. If the road is fixed it will boost the business," he said. Echoing the call for better infrastructure, Mrs Elizabeth Ayeyemi added, “The government should help everybody out. A lot of people want to invest in this country but because of the insecurity and roads... If the government can fix the road, everybody will want to invest.” The couple’s remarks come amid ongoing national conversations about how to attract more diaspora investment to Nigeria’s struggling economy.