Fasoranti Urges Southwest Governors to Share Ideas, Shun Politics for Regional Progress
The Leader of the Yoruba Socio-Cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has urged governors to prioritise collaboration over politics, adding that successful ideas should be shared across states to improve governance in the Southwest region.
Pa Fasoranti made the call on Wednesday at a meeting, tagged Southwest Leaders’ Dialogue held in Akure, with the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”
Represented by Senator Femi Okunrounmu, the Afenifere Leader described the meeting as a practical example of democracy in action, saying the lessons of division from past decades must guide leaders to embrace consensus and mutual trust.
“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.
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, saying decentralisation would allow states to explore their economic potential and reduce overdependence on the central government.
Akande urged state assemblies to domesticate laws that promote entrepreneurship and industrialisation.
He encouraged the South-West to lead in innovation, agriculture and digital technology, stressing that the region’s comparative advantage could transform national productivity.
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.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami; Osun State Governor, Senator Jackson Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal and Ekiti State Governor, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Omolara Adubiaro.
Others were the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, pioneer chairman of the APC, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, among several other important dignitaries.
