Governors of the South-West states, ministers, traditional rulers, and regional leaders yesterday converged on Akure, Ondo State capital, to renew the call for devolution of powers, true federalism, and enhanced regional cooperation to accelerate national development.
The high-profile meeting, tagged Southwest Leaders’ Dialogue, held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), was hosted by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, under the theme: “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa, in his keynote address, stressed the need to fortify democracy through institutional reforms and open engagement 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.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for implementing economic reforms that, he said, had stabilised the economy, boosted federal allocations, and restored fiscal discipline. The governor listed major ongoing federal projects across the South-West, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the proposed Ilaje Deep Sea Port, and key road dualisation works connecting Ondo, Ekiti, and Edo states.
According to him, the projects and policy collaborations “demonstrate the maturing of our democracy,” adding that “the bond between citizens and government is being strengthened.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa described Ondo State as “a land of honour, hard work and hospitality,” noting that the state’s hosting of the dialogue reflected its historic role in advancing progressive governance.
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged South-West leaders to unite behind a shared regional agenda for inclusive growth and sustainable democracy.
“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.
Sanwo-Olu praised President Tinubu’s reforms for stabilising the naira and reviving investor confidence, while recalling the developmental legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other visionary leaders.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, emphasised that democracy thrives on dialogue and inclusion. He called for deeper inter-state collaboration to strengthen trust between government and the people.
Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, represented by Senator Femi Okunrounmu, urged governors to embrace cooperation over rivalry and share successful policy models across 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.
Traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, lauded the dialogue as a practical step toward sustainable regional unity and development.
Former Osun State Governor and APC chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande, described Nigeria as being at a defining moment, saying President Tinubu’s policies were “rebuilding the nation’s foundation.” He urged for genuine federalism, regional empowerment, and legislative reforms to spur entrepreneurship and productivity across the South-West.
The event featured thematic sessions with contributions from the Ministers of Finance, Power, Marine and Blue Economy, and Health, among others.
In attendance were governors and deputies from all six South-West states, top government functionaries, former governors, royal fathers, and notable regional leaders including Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, and Chief Pius Akinyelure.
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