Governors, traditional rulers, ministers, and key stakeholders from the Southwest region convened in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday for a decisive dialogue aimed at strengthening devolution of powers and fostering renewed regional cooperation towards achieving true federalism.
The meeting, hosted by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and tagged the Southwest Leaders’ Dialogue, operated under the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”
Aiyedatiwa urged political leaders to move beyond rhetoric and translate dialogue into concrete action, specifically calling for institutional reforms to strengthen democracy.
READ ALSO: Southwest APC LG chairmen declare support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid
“Today, we stand at a threshold of history. Shall we continue with centralisation when true federalism demands devolution of powers?” he questioned. “Strength without renewal fades. Dialogue must go beyond talk; it must birth action.”
The governor credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration for laying the groundwork for regional development through economic reforms, which he said have “stabilised the economy, improved allocations to states and restored fiscal discipline.”
He listed key federal projects currently benefiting the Southwest, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the proposed Ilaje Deep Sea Port, the Akure–Ado-Ekiti Dual Carriageway, and the establishment of 1,000 Federal Housing Authority units in the state.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu echoed this call for a unified regional agenda, asserting that the Southwest must reclaim its heritage as a model for the nation.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He also praised Tinubu’s fiscal and economic reforms for stabilising the naira and enhancing revenue generation.
Representing Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele emphasised that democracy thrives on dialogue and collaboration, stressing the need for participatory governance to promote inclusion and accountability.
Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, represented by Femi Okunrounmu, urged governors to set aside political differences and prioritise collaboration, advocating for the adoption of successful policies across state lines.
“To our governors, your people elected you to improve their lives. When Osun innovates successfully, let Oyo adopt and adapt… When Ondo comes up with solutions, let others adopt,” the Afenifere leader advised.
Former Osun State Governor and APC chieftain, Bisi Akande, described Nigeria as being at a turning point, noting that Tinubu’s reforms are effectively “rebuilding the foundation of the country.”
He called for genuine federalism, regional empowerment, and economic diversification through the proposed Southwest Development Commission, arguing that decentralisation would allow states to unlock their economic potential.
READ ALSO: Customs intercepts firearms, drones valued at N377m in Southwest operations
Traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, called for sustained dialogue among stakeholders to confront governance challenges and corruption.
The event, which was attended by other governors’ representatives and traditional leaders such as the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo, also featured thematic sessions with federal ministers, including Wale Edun, Finance and Adegboyega Oyetola, Marine and Blue Economy.
