Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has refuted allegations that he is acting against Yoruba interests regarding Nigeria’s regional governance system in the National Assembly.
Addressing these claims, Bamidele described them as “baseless, false, and unfounded,” emphasizing that he has consistently advocated for the well-being of Ekiti Central, Ekiti State, the South-West, and Nigeria at large since assuming office.
In a statement issued by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Wednesday, Bamidele challenged anyone with concrete evidence—audio, visual, or documentary—to present it publicly. The clarification came in response to media reports falsely attributing a divisive statement to him, which suggested that allowing a regional system in Nigeria would pave the way for the eastern region to declare Biafra.
Refuting this, Bamidele stated he never made such remarks, calling the allegations a deliberate attempt to create ethnic discord. He clarified that he did not address the topic of regional government, as outlined in the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions, during the Senate Retreat on Constitution Review held from September 27th to 28th, 2024.
“The claim is completely untrue. I have never spoken about a return to the regional government at any forum, nor did I make the claim that allowing regional systems would give the easterners Biafra,” he said. “This is a clear case of misinformation and fake news, which does not reflect my views on federal governance.”
Bamidele further warned that he would pursue legal action against any individuals or organizations spreading fabricated news about him. He pointed out that no proposal for a return to a regional government system is currently under consideration by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
“How can I oppose a proposal that doesn’t even exist before the committee? These accusations seem politically motivated to damage my reputation,” he added.
The Senate Leader noted that the Constitution Review Committee has received 37 new constitution alteration bills and is reviewing 16 bills inherited from the previous National Assembly, making a total of 53 bills. None of these proposed the return to the regional governance system from Nigeria’s First Republic.
In closing, Bamidele reiterated, “I am not working against the interests of the Yoruba people, and I never will for any reason.”
