By Ayodele Oni
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 was hosted by the Ondo State Governor, Lucky 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 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.
In his speech, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called for a unified regional agenda to promote inclusive growth and strengthen democracy.
He stated that 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.
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 pointed out that 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.
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.
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