UNILORIN professor attributes West African coups to governance failures

Professor Emmanuel Ojo of the University of Ilorin has warned that West Africa risks a cycle of military takeovers if governments do not address governance challenges and declining public confidence in democratic institutions. Speaking at Koladaisi University, Professor Ojo stated that the rise in military interventions, particularly in the Sahel, is linked to public dissatisfaction with civilian governments over insecurity, economic difficulties, unemployment, and perceived leadership failures. He noted that weak governance and declining trust in democratic institutions create conditions where military rule is seen by some as an alternative. Professor Ojo identified weak democratic consolidation, legitimacy crises, poor institutional capacity, economic challenges, fragile national identity, and external interference as contributing factors to the return of military interventions. He argued that political leaders' failure to deliver inclusive development and accountable governance could continue to weaken civilian administrations. Professor Ojo also linked support for some military governments to resentment among young Africans over perceived foreign domination. He urged African governments to prioritize transparency, accountability, and people-centered policies, emphasizing that stronger democratic institutions, improved civil-military relations, and economic development are crucial to preventing further military takeovers. Temitope Bello, Acting Director of Research and Dev