Southwest Govs, Stakeholders Rally for Power Devolution, Regional Growth, Devt 

Fidelis David in Akure 

Southwest governors, traditional rulers, ministers and regional leaders, yesterday, 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,  Lucky Aiyedatiwa, with the theme: “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”

In his address, 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, saying, “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 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 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 thrived where dialogue exists, calling for continued collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen inclusion and accountability.

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.

Former Osun State Governor, 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.