Akire of Ikire-Ile urges Nigerian youths to embrace justice, fair leadership at NAOS event
By KEMI KASUMU
Oba Adebamiji cautioned that a generation that neglects constructive personal development and selfless values may normalize injustice, deepen inequality and perpetuate cycles of conflict and mistrust.
The Akire of Ikire-Ile, Ola-Oluwa Local Government, Osun State, South West Nigeria, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulazeez Olatunbosun Adebamiji, has called on Nigerian youths to commit themselves to justice, fairness and equity as essential values for sustainable leadership and societal development.
The monarch made the call on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, while delivering a keynote address at the launch of the maiden edition of the Silver Jubilee Magazine of National Association of Ola-Oluwa Students’ Union (NAOS). He attended the event as the special guest of honour.
Speaking on the theme “What does the future hold for our society?”, Oba Adebamiji challenged young people often described as “leaders of tomorrow” to critically examine the quality of leadership they intend to offer in the future. He warned that a society led by individuals who disregard justice and fairness stands on a fragile foundation.
According to the traditional leader, leadership without a vision for the future, or one driven by selfish and retrogressive interests, poses serious risks to societal stability.
He cautioned that a generation that neglects constructive personal development and selfless values may normalize injustice, deepen inequality and perpetuate cycles of conflict and mistrust.
The first-class monarch of Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area, Osun State, emphasized that fairness, justice and equity are non-negotiable pillars of effective leadership.
He noted that without fairness, leadership becomes self-serving; without justice, power turns oppressive; and without equity, progress benefits only a few at the expense of many.
He urged stakeholders to intentionally nurture these values in young people, describing the task as a collective responsibility crucial to building a just, united and sustainable society.
The event marked a milestone for NAOS as it celebrated its silver jubilee and unveiled its commemorative publication, with students and dignitaries in attendance.
“The youths are usually excited and gallivanting around in the euphoria of being regarded as the leaders of tomorrow. If we may ask our youths, what kind of leadership do you intend to offer when you eventually become a leader?
“If the so-called leaders of tomorrow do not believe in justice, fairness, and equity, then the future of society stands on a fragile foundation. If the so-called leaders of tomorrow cannot see beyond their noses to project into the future, then how can they benefit our future? If the so-called leaders of tomorrow are bent on playing the kind of retrogressive, selfish and destructive politics that some leaders of yesteryears have played, how safe then are we in their hands?
“A generation that disregards constructive, selfless, and healthy personal development values risks normalizing injustice, deepening inequality, and perpetuating cycles of conflict and mistrust.”
According to the first class monarch of Ola-Oluwa Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria, “Without fairness, leadership becomes self-serving; without justice, power turns oppressive; and without equity, progress benefits only a few while many are left behind. The future such a society holds is not one of peace or sustainable development, but of division and instability.
“Therefore, nurturing in our youths a firm commitment to justice, fairness, and equity is not optional — it is an essential duty for the survival and progressive development of any society. In other words, it is a requisite for building a just, united, and sustainable future.”
