Regional Unity & Governance Focus: Southwest Leaders Unite in Akure, Push For True Federalism, Devolution of Powers
Southwest governors, traditional rulers, ministers and regional leaders on Wednesday converged in Akure, Ondo State, to push for devolution of powers, true federalism and renewed cooperation among states in the region.
The meeting, tagged Southwest Leaders’ Dialogue, was held in Akure, with the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”
In his address, the Chief Host and governor of Ondo State, Lucky 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.”
Aiyedatiwa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its economic reforms, saying it 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, saying “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.”
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed Ondo State’s role as a centre for progressive engagement, saying the dialogue was aimed at building consensus for national development.
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.
The Governor 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, saying 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 Tinubu’s reforms for stabilising the naira, attracting investments and enhancing revenue generation, saying “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 stated that investments in education, industrialisation and agriculture by the founding fathers placed the region ahead of others.
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 said the meeting had reinforced the need for states to work together to deliver democratic dividends and promote trust between government and citizens, pledging Ogun State’s continued commitment to policies that enhance economic resilience and unity across the South-West region.
