A Professor of Socio-Cultural History and Gender Studies, Victoria Kikelomo Olugbemi, has called on African leaders to ditch Western-style political systems and return to homegrown governance rooted in traditional African values, customs, and institutions.

Delivering the 40th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, on Tuesday, the academic warned that sustainable development would remain a mirage if African countries continued to rely on foreign models that do not reflect their realities.

Titled “Gender, Culture, and Governance in Postcolonial Nigeria: Reclaiming Indigenous Epistemologies for Sustainable Development,” the lecture challenged the long-standing dependence on Eurocentric systems of government, which Prof. Olugbemi described as ill-suited for Africa’s unique socio-political terrain.

“African civilisation is the most enduring in human history,” she said. “It is time for our leaders to stop copying European models that are alien to our culture. Our precolonial systems had their own internal checks and balances that ensured order, justice, and stability.”

She faulted the National Assembly and other policy architects for constantly looking abroad for political direction, urging them to instead revisit indigenous political structures that thrived in African kingdoms before the arrival of colonialism and religion.

“Our indigenous institutions offered effective governance long before colonisers arrived. If properly adapted, they can form the bedrock of a stable and prosperous Nigeria,” she added.

Olugbemi, who did not hide her disapproval of the current treatment of traditional rulers, said monarchs should not be seen as political appointees but as divine figures ordained by ancestral lineage and chosen through sacred customs.

“Traditional rulers are not politicians. They are the custodians of our heritage, and their installation must follow the traditions of their people — not government dictates. They also have their own internal mechanisms to discipline erring members without the interference of modern government,” she said.

On gender, the don argued that Nigeria cannot move forward without balancing power between men and women. According to her, dismantling patriarchy and embracing gender equality is key to national development.

“We cannot keep building systems that silence women and expect to develop. Gender, culture, and religion should not be used to divide us. When positively combined, they can become tools for nation-building and social progress,” she said.

Olugbemi also criticised what she described as the government’s bias towards private universities, warning that public institutions were being starved of funds while private institutions were being licensed without proper planning.

“Government cannot keep approving private universities and neglecting public ones. It goes against the spirit of its own Education for All agenda. If we must move forward, education must be properly funded at all levels,” she said.

She urged authorities to overhaul the school curriculum to include civic education, patriotism, and Nigerian history, insisting that these subjects would help raise a generation that is conscious of its rights, duties, and national identity.

Raising concern over the rising number of out-of-school children, the professor warned that continued neglect of the issue could worsen poverty and insecurity.

“Bringing these children back through adult education will reduce hunger and help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We can’t afford to keep looking away,” she said.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, in his remarks, described Prof. Olugbemi as a trailblazer in academic excellence, gender advocacy, and human development. He praised her for her intellectual rigour and dedication to the growth of the university.

“Prof. Olugbemi has left a lasting impact on this university and the academic community at large. Her contributions will continue to inspire scholars and policymakers,” Ige said.

The lecture attracted a mix of academics, students, traditional leaders, and members of the public, many of whom hailed the lecturer’s message as timely and thought-provoking.