Southwest governors, traditional rulers, ministers and regional leaders on Wednesday met in Akure, Ondo State, to push for devolution of powers, true federalism and renewed cooperation among states in the South-West.
The meeting, tagged Southwest Leaders’ Dialogue and held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), was hosted by the Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, with the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa said democracy must be strengthened through institutional reforms and open dialogue between the federal and state governments.
“Today, we stand at a threshold of history. Shall we continue with centralisation when true federalism demands devolution of powers?” he asked. “Strength without renewal fades. Dialogue must go beyond talk; it must birth action.”
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its economic reforms, which he said had stabilised the economy, improved allocations to states and restored fiscal discipline.
He listed several ongoing federal projects in the South-West, including the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (with a 71km stretch in Ondo State), the proposed Ilaje Deep Sea Port, the NDDC/Ode-Erinje Transmission Line and Substation, the Akure–Ado-Ekiti Dual Carriageway, and the Ore–Ondo–Akure and Benin–Ofosu–Ore highways.
The Governor also mentioned the planned 1,000 Federal Housing Authority units in Ondo State, the take-off of the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, and the proposed aviation school in Akure as part of federal–state collaboration to drive development.
According to him, “These collaborations demonstrate the maturing of our democracy. The bond between citizens and government is being strengthened. Our people are beginning to feel a sense of ownership in governance.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed Ondo State’s role as a centre for progressive engagement, saying the dialogue was aimed at building consensus for national development.
He added that the South-West had always embraced consultation as part of its political culture, tracing the region’s democratic heritage to the traditions of dialogue in Yoruba palaces and councils, noting that leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Adekunle Ajasin championed participatory governance and inclusive leadership which must continue to guide today’s political leaders.
He further appreciated the role of traditional institutions and regional think tanks such as the DAWN Commission and Afenifere in sustaining intellectual dialogue on development. According to him, their inputs continue to shape policy discussions across the zone.
The Governor said Ondo State’s hosting of the meeting was deliberate, describing the state as “a land of honour, hard work and hospitality,” and a natural choice for forging new ideas for Nigeria’s democratic renewal.
In his speech, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called for a unified regional agenda to promote inclusive growth and strengthen democracy.
He said the South-West had always led the nation in governance, education and innovation, and should continue to serve as a model for other regions.
Sanwo-Olu praised President Tinubu’s reforms for stabilising the naira, attracting investments and enhancing revenue generation.
“Today is the time for us to reclaim our heritage of innovation, education and good governance. The Southwest can and will lead Nigeria’s rebirth,” he said.
The governor recalled the legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other founding fathers, saying their investments in education, industrialisation and agriculture placed the region ahead of others.
Sanwo-Olu lauded the DAWN Commission and the Ondo State Government for hosting the dialogue, describing it as a visionary effort to reassess progress and create a united framework for future cooperation.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said democracy thrives where dialogue exists, calling for continued collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen inclusion and accountability.
He said the meeting had reinforced the need for states to work together to deliver democratic dividends and promote trust between government and citizens.
According to him, participatory governance remains essential for peace and development, as citizens must be involved in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
Abiodun pledged Ogun State’s continued commitment to policies that enhance economic resilience and unity across the South-West region.
Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, represented by Senator Femi Okunrounmu, urged governors to prioritise collaboration over politics, adding that successful ideas should be shared across states to improve governance in the region.
“To our governors, your people elected you to improve their lives. When Osun innovates successfully, let Oyo adopt and adapt. When Lagos leads, let others follow. When Ondo comes up with solutions, let others adopt,” he said.
Describing the meeting as a practical example of democracy in action, the Afenifere leader said the lessons of division from past decades must guide leaders to embrace consensus and mutual trust.
He appealed to political leaders to ensure that policies are people-oriented and responsive to the needs of the masses.
Pa Fasoranti expressed optimism about the region’s prospects, praying that the dialogue would mark a new phase of cooperation and peace. He said unity must transcend party lines to ensure collective progress and justice for all.
Traditional rulers present, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, called for continued dialogue and collaboration among leaders.
The Alaafin urged stakeholders to confront corruption and governance challenges through open conversation and participation, while the Olowo commended the South-West governors and the DAWN Commission for their efforts in promoting regional unity.
Former Osun State Governor and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, described Nigeria as being at a turning point, saying Tinubu’s reforms in fiscal and economic sectors were rebuilding the foundation of the country.
He called for genuine federalism, regional empowerment and economic diversification through the Southwest Development Commission.
Akande said decentralisation would allow states to explore their economic potential and reduce overdependence on the central government. He urged state assemblies to domesticate laws that promote entrepreneurship and industrialisation.
He encouraged the South-West to lead in innovation, agriculture and digital technology, stressing that the region’s comparative advantage could transform national productivity.
The event, which had thematic sessions, featured the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola; the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu and Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Adekunle Salako as session speakers.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami; Osun State Governor, Senator Jackson Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal and Ekiti State Governor, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Omolara Adubiaro.
Others were the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, former Deputy National chairman of the APC, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, among several other important dignitaries.
