Governors, ministers, traditional rulers, and regional stakeholders from the South-West on Wednesday converged in Akure, Ondo State, to chart a new course for power devolution, true federalism, and collective regional progress.
The high-level meeting, held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), was convened under the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”
This was contained in a statement signed by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
The statement reads partly: “Today, we stand at a threshold of history. Shall we continue with centralisation when true federalism demands devolution of powers? Strength without renewal fades. Dialogue must go beyond talk; it must birth action.
“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.
“Ondo State’s hosting of the meeting was deliberate. Our land of honour, hard work and hospitality remains a natural choice for forging new ideas for Nigeria’s democratic renewal.
“We reaffirm our belief that democracy must be deepened through institutional reforms, fiscal balance, and participatory engagement between the federal and state governments.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms that have improved federal allocations, strengthened fiscal discipline, and revived the bond between citizens and government.
He highlighted strategic federal projects across the South-West, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (with a 71km stretch in Ondo State), the Ilaje Deep Sea Port, Akure–Ado-Ekiti Dual Carriageway, Ore–Ondo–Akure highways, and the Federal Housing Authority’s 1,000-unit project in Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa said Ondo was leading a renewed spirit of cooperation that echoed the progressive ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Adekunle Ajasin, whose legacy of participatory governance and regional collaboration defined the Yoruba political tradition.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State called for a unified regional development framework, stressing that the South-West must “reclaim its heritage of innovation, education, and good governance.” He lauded Tinubu’s policies for stabilising the naira and restoring investor confidence.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said democracy thrives on dialogue and collaboration, urging sustained engagement between governments and citizens.
Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, represented by Senator Femi Okunrounmu, appealed for cooperation among South-West governors beyond party lines. “When Osun innovates successfully, let Oyo adopt and adapt. When Lagos leads, let others follow,” he charged.
Traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, supported continued regional dialogue, while Chief Bisi Akande described Tinubu’s reforms as rebuilding Nigeria’s economic foundation.
Akande called for genuine federalism and regional empowerment through the Southwest Development Commission, noting that decentralisation would unlock states’ economic potential and reduce overdependence on the central government.
The meeting featured thematic sessions led by federal ministers including Mr Wale Edun (Finance), Mr Adegboyega Oyetola (Marine and Blue Economy), Mr Adebayo Adelabu (Power), and Dr Adekunle Salako (Health and Social Welfare).
Other dignitaries included Dr Olayide Adelami (Deputy Governor, Ondo), Senator Ademola Adeleke (Governor of Osun, represented by Mr Kola Adewusi), Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo, represented by Mr Bayo Lawal), Governor Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti, represented by Dr Habibat Adubiaro), and former Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
