Political leaders, traditional rulers and eminent personalities from across the South-West states of the country on Wednesday converged on Akure, the Ondo State capital, to reaffirm their commitment to the unity, development and integration of the region.
The meeting focused on strategies to strengthen economic cooperation, enhance infrastructure connectivity, and promote collective progress among Yoruba-speaking states.
At least four ministers from the zone were engaged by critical stakeholders to give a comprehensive account of their stewardship in the last two years.
Speaking during the summit tagged ‘Dialogue’, the leader of Pan Yoruba socio political group, Afenifere and convener of the summit, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, called for the renewal of Yoruba unity and solidarity, warning that partisan divisions had weakened the region’s political strength and development.
Speaking through the former Secretary-General of Afenifere, Femi Okunrohunmu, the Afenifere leader lamented that the spirit of brotherhood that once defined Yoruba politics had been eroded by bitter partisanship.
He warned that party politics must never again divide or weaken Yoruba solidarity.
“I have seen brothers refuse to greet each other because they belong to different political parties. I have witnessed development projects stalled not because they lacked merit but because they were initiated by a rival party. This must end today, here and now,” he said.
The nonagenarian insisted that true development must transcend political affiliations and urged leaders to put the welfare of the people above political calculations.
Fasoranti said the Yoruba have a long-standing political heritage rooted in welfarism and progressivism, values championed by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He described the South-West Leaders’ Dialogue as a platform that should be sustained to ensure continuous engagement between citizens and government.
Former Osun State governor and pioneer APC chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, hailed the creation of regional development commissions by President Tinubu, describing it as a “quiet restructuring” restoring true federalism to Nigeria.
Akande, who noted that the years of military rule distorted Nigeria’s federal structure and weakened governance by splitting the country into 36 states and hundreds of local governments, commended Tinubu for decentralizing development through six regional commissions.
According to him, the regional commissions, including the South-West Development Commission, represent “economic engines that empower regions to shape their own destinies.”
He said, “In a stroke of visionary leadership, in addition to the South-South Development Commission, the present administration has established and inaugurated five regional development commissions — the North-West, North-Central, North-East, South-East, and now our own South-West Development Commission (SWDC).
“Each of these commissions represents not just geographical entities, but economic development engines or grassroots-focused commissions.”
The chairman, South-West Governor’s Forum, and Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also called on leaders and citizens of the South-West to unite behind a common vision for progress, prosperity and renewed collaboration.
“The time to reclaim our heritage and shape the future of our region is now,” he said, noting that democracy thrives only when dialogue is sincere, inclusive and visionary.
Speaking on the theme: ‘Strengthening Democracy through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Prospects, and Challenges’, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that unity remains the region’s strongest asset.
Paying tribute to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Bola Ige and other visionary leaders who laid the foundation for the region’s development, Sanwo-Olu said, “We owe it to our founding fathers to keep the torch of progress burning.”
The chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum and Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the South-West Leaders’ Dialogue as a vital platform to bridge the gap between government and citizens, fostering inclusive governance across the region.
Represented by his deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun commended President Tinubu’s reforms for restoring national confidence and setting Nigeria on a path of sustainable growth.
In his welcome address, Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational governments to deepen democracy and drive sustainable development.
“Our democracy is still growing, but dialogue must move beyond talk to actions that strengthen institutions and rebuild public trust,” he said.
He commended President Tinubu for bold economic reforms that have improved national revenues and boosted state allocations for development.
In his remarks, the Director-General of DAWN Commission, Dr Seye Oyeleye, said the Dialogue was designed to strengthen democracy and promote citizen engagement across the South-West region.
Oyeleye said the platform would enable citizens to get firsthand information on government policies, demand accountability, and contribute to shaping governance for the region’s over 40 million residents.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, emphasized the importance of dialogue as the foundation of democracy, urging governments at all levels to strengthen institutions and promote citizens’ engagement to tackle corruption and electoral malpractice.
The monarch said the region’s history was deeply rooted in democratic principles and collective decision-making and commended the organisers for creating a platform for robust engagement on issues affecting governance and development.
