Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, has called for a renewed national commitment to peace, justice, and inclusive governance, warning that Nigeria’s progress is increasingly threatened by deepening insecurity and socio-economic fractures.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 19th International Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), held at the Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, University of Ibadan on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Speaker Ogundoyin described the gathering as “a timely intervention at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history.”

“It is a privilege to be in this gathering convened by SPSP, a body whose work has become critical to our national journey toward peace and sustainable development,” he said.

“This conference could not have been more relevant, especially at a time when our nation is battling serious security and socioeconomic challenges.”

Ogundoyin painted a stark picture of the current realities confronting the country. “Nigeria’s security situation remains fragile, marked by communal tensions, insurgency, economic disparity, banditry, and a deepening sense of uncertainty,” he stated. “These issues continue to test the strength of our union and the resolve of our leaders.”

He emphasized that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the capacity to manage societal tensions constructively. “I challenge all stakeholders—ethnic nationalities, religious institutions, community leaders, political actors, and civil society—to rise above narrow interests and become active champions of peace,” Ogundoyin said. “Nigeria’s survival and progress depend on our collective will to uphold unity, justice, and tolerance.”

Highlighting developments at home, the Speaker attributed Oyo State’s relative stability to deliberate collaboration among state institutions and communities.

“In Oyo State, we have continued to foster peace through inclusive governance, strengthened community policing, and robust youth engagement,” he said. “The calm we enjoy today is the product of collaboration between the executive, the legislature, the judiciary, and our citizens.”

He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his commitment to peace-driven governance. “I commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his consistent readiness to enhance policies that support peace, equity, and security,” he added.

Ogundoyin linked Nigeria’s challenges to broader continental efforts toward peace and security, acknowledging the role of international institutions. “Peacebuilding is a global responsibility,” he said.

“We must commend the tireless efforts of the UN, AU, ECOWAS, and others for championing peace and human security across the continent. Peace cannot prevail without justice, inclusivity, and collaboration.”

The Speaker expressed strong interest in forging a strategic partnership between Nigeria’s legislatures and SPSP to advance peace legislation and institutional reforms.

“I am optimistic about the possibility of meaningful collaboration between the legislature and SPSP,” he stated. “As lawmakers, we need innovative approaches to strengthen our interventions in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and human security.”

He announced the legislature’s readiness to engage SPSP on policy development and legislative frameworks. “We look forward to working with your body of scholars and practitioners to co-develop legislation that will institutionalize peace education, promote social cohesion, and address root causes of conflict,” he said.

“This partnership can yield long-lasting impact on our pursuit of a secure and prosperous society,” he concluded.