Southwest Governors, Afenifere Leaders Seek Unity, Regional Growth

Governors from the Southwest states and leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, have called for greater unity and collaboration across the region to strengthen democracy and promote economic growth.

Speaking during the Southwest Stakeholders Dialogue themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future” held at the International Culture and Events Centre in Akure, the governors of Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti and Osun States emphasized the need to put aside political differences and work together for the collective development of the region.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said there was a need for Southwest governors to renew the region’s tradition of accountability, inclusion and citizens’ participation.

According to him, “The summit provides an opportunity to institutionalise regular dialogue between citizens and government. True progress can only be achieved when government listens to the people. Stakeholders’ engagement strengthens democracy and ensures that policies reflect the needs of the people.”

He added that the Southwest must continue to lead Nigeria’s path toward modern governance, saying, “From Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s visionary legacy to our strides in education, technology and enterprise, we must build a Southwest that shines as the engine of innovation and prosperity for our nation.”

Abiodun listed some of the federal government’s policies that have positively impacted Ogun State, including the distribution of grains and fertilisers, partnership on the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port, rehabilitation of the Sagamu–Benin Expressway, and the ongoing Lagos–Ibadan standard rail and Lekki–Ijebu-Ode–Kajola infrastructure synergy.

He commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for hosting the event and praised President Bola Tinubu for his reforms across key sectors, describing them as bold and capable of restoring national confidence.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who serves as Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, said the region must reclaim its heritage of innovation and good governance.

“Diversity has always been our strength; let’s bring it forward. We must unite behind a shared regional agenda that delivers inclusive growth and strengthens democracy,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Host Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the gathering reflected the existing synergy among Southwest institutions, stressing that democracy thrives when leaders and citizens engage in constructive dialogue.

Despite the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy, Aiyedatiwa maintained that “our democracy remains alive and progressing.”

The Olowo of Owo, HRM Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, also called for regular stakeholders’ summits to promote unity and regional development.

Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti, represented by Senator Femi Okurounmu, urged Southwest governors to unite beyond political lines and recommit to the welfare ideology that defines Yoruba political heritage.

He said, “Every child must have access to quality education; every citizen deserves healthcare as a right, not a privilege. Our young people must have opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship through merit, not political connections.”

Former APC interim chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, also commended the initiative, calling for purposeful restructuring and economic diversification through agriculture, mining, and human capital development.

Dignitaries present included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako; Ondo Deputy Governor, Mr. Olayide Adeyemi; Osun Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; SSG of Ekiti State, Dr. Omolola Adubiaro; former Ondo Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; former Ogun Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; former Ogun Speaker, Prince Suraju Adekunbi; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, among others.