The Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG) in partnership with the Centre for Inter-African & Development Studies (CIDES) has honoured the works and legacy of one of Nigeria’s well-known Political Scientists and respected academic, Professor Liasu Adele Jinadu.
Held at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS), Auditorium, UNILAG under the chairmanship of a former federal Commissioner of Works, Alhaji (Dr.) Olufemi Okunnu, SAN, the occasion witnessed an overflow of tributes to the illustrious career of the Lagos indigene on Thursday, July 11, 2024.
The occasion featured the presentation of a book titled: “Federalism, Elections and Challenges of Democratic Governance in Nigeria” in honour of Professor Liasu Adele Jinadu. Edited by the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, UNILAG, Professor Adelaja Odukoya and Warisu O. Alli, as the book was reviewed by the Acting Head, Department of Social Works, Dr. Michael Kunnuji.
Leading the avalanche of tributes, the Chairman of the Occasion, Alhaji Okunnu, described the erudite scholar as an icon whose legacy remained timeless and impactful.
He took the audience on a journey into the past, painting a picture of an energetic and passionate young Liasu Adele Jinadu at the Kings College, Lagos where he left indelible marks as an active executive of his class in the 60s, even as a secondary student. The remarks of Alhaji Okunu who also doubles as the Patriarch of Jinadu family did not stray from the essence of the day as he traced the history of Nigeria’s electoral process from the first election held in 1923 to the most recent of 2023.
Alhaji Okunnu compared Nigeria’s election variables with other nations, and highlighted the challenge of electoral malpractice in the country’s quest for democratic governance. He stressed the need for an adequate electoral process .
Speaking on the theme: “Nigeria’s Governance Crisis Federalism, Democracy and Election Complications“, the guest lecturer, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka noted that Nigeria’s governance crisis is a complex web of federalism, democracy, and election complications.
The former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan made an attempt to explore the features of what is and what is not democratic governance as well as election process. His words “Federalism in Nigeria is marred by an imbalance of power, resource control issues, and ethnic tensions. The current state of affairs is not a healthy one, so, efforts must be made to that it effect has our electoral process in now characterized with fraud such as imposition of candidates, rigging, stuffing ballots, violence etcetera.
Prof. Olayinka called for a multifaceted approach that prioritizes institutional strengthening, citizen engagement, and democratic reforms, to address the challenges of democratic governance in Nigeria.
In his review, Dr. Michael Kunnuji described the book as a 23-chapter and 544-page scholarly work with about 30 contributors.
While acknowledging the works of the various contributors, he appraised their intellectual works with a sneak-peek of the different chapters.
Dignitaries in attendance, including Mr. J.K Randle, Chief Bode Olajumoke, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd) took turns to praise Professor Jinadu’s dedication, expertise, and mentorship, which have inspired his community, students and scholars.
They also highlighted the profound impact of Professor Jinadu’s works and contributions to the academic community and stressed that his commitment to academic excellence and nation-building has solidified his place as a revered figure in the academic and political spheres.
The ceremony was a fitting recognition of Professor Jinadu’s remarkable accomplishments, cementing his legacy as a distinguished scholar, educator, and leader which was met with accolades and heartfelt appreciation.
Born to the family of the Odu-Ogunmade of the Ogboni Iduntafa-Onilegbale Chieftaincy Family of Isaleeko / the King Family of Ita Alagba, Lagos and the Doherty family of Popo-Aguda, Lagos,Professor Jinadu had his early education at the Ansar-Ud-Deen primary Schools, in Okepopo and Alakoro in Lagos and the prestigious King’s College, Lagos. He had his university education at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom and the University of Minesotta, USA where he obtained his doctoral degree.
He retired as a Professor of Political Science, Lagos State University in 2001, having taught previously at the University of Lagos and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He has also been visiting Professor to several Ivory towers in Africa and across the globe.
Professor Jinadu has served as Director, Centre for Advanced Social Sciences (CASS), Port-Harcourt, among others. He was also one of the five African experts appointed by the OAU Secretary-General to prepare the Draft Constitutive Act of the African Union and Draft Protocol of the Pan-African Parliament.
Professor Jinadu is currently a Non-Resident Senior Fellow, and Chairman, Election Analysis Centre of the Centre for Democracy & Development, Abuja, Nigeria. He is a Member, Governing Board, The Electoral Institute, Abuja etc. member of the Governing Council of Lagos State University, University of Calabar and Summit University, Offa.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photograph: Favour Megwara / Bayo Salau
