S/West govs, leaders vow to rise above politics for regional unity

Governors of the six South-West states have reaffirmed their commitment to regional unity and solidarity, stressing that political differences must never undermine regional cooperation and development. They also pledged to strengthen collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while advancing the collective interests of the Yoruba people. The pledge was made at the South-West Stakeholders’ […]

Governors of the six South-West states have reaffirmed their commitment to regional unity and solidarity, stressing that political differences must never undermine regional cooperation and development.

They also pledged to strengthen collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while advancing the collective interests of the Yoruba people.

The pledge was made at the South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue, a citizen–government interactive town hall session hosted by Ondo State Government in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere.

In his welcome address, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa called on Yoruba leaders to chart a common course for regional integration and sustainable development. He praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms as “bold and transformative steps” that have helped stabilise the nation’s economy, increase non-oil revenues, and promote fiscal discipline.

“It takes courageous, visionary, and transformative leadership to take such bold decisions,” Aiyedatiwa said. “We, the sub-nationals, are happy as we now have improved allocations to embark upon various developmental projects for the good of our people.”

He urged continued federal–state collaboration and called for true federalism through dialogue and institutional reform. “Dialogue must bring action. We must reform and strengthen our institutions to work for our people,” he said, stressing that unity, not division, remains the key to Nigeria’s progress.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, said the zone must re-enact its legacy as the country’s economic powerhouse, urging leaders to embrace Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a vehicle for collective prosperity. “Nigeria is being reshaped by President Bola Tinubu’s vision, and the South-West must lead that transformation,” he said.

Other governors and representatives at the event included Osun Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi (for Governor Ademola Adeleke), Ogun Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele (for Governor Dapo Abiodun), Ekiti Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habibat Omolola Adubiaro (for Governor Biodun Oyebanji), and Oyo Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal (for Governor Seyi Makinde).

The dialogue also featured key Yoruba leaders and thinkers who stressed the need to revive regional solidarity and welfarist ideals.

Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti, represented by Dr Femi Okunronmu, urged the governors to return to the development model of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, anchored on education, healthcare, and social welfare. “The Yoruba nation is only strong in its unity. Party politics must never weaken Yoruba solidarity or make brothers turn against one another,” he warned.

In his keynote address, Femi Awoyemi lamented the absence of innovative governance in the South-West for over three decades, saying leaders had “spent more on politics than on policy.” He urged the region to “think big” and build enduring structures that promote collective growth.

Other notable figures at the dialogue included former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko; Coordinating Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Salako; and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola.