In a move aimed at reintegrating the enduring values of Nigeria’s national heroes into the country’s political and leadership culture, the Ibadan Discourse Group has announced the commencement of a national conversation series, starting with a discourse in honour of the late Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, the first military governor of the Western Region.
The event, themed “Fajuyi: The Essentials for National Leadership,” is scheduled to hold on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the House of Chiefs, Ibadan.
According to a statement jointly signed by the Group’s Coordinator, Mr. Clement Ige, and Director of Media Strategy, Mr. Dapo Falade, the discourse is part of a broader effort to rekindle national values and promote selfless leadership, inspired by the exemplary life of Col. Fajuyi.
“We are at a crucial juncture in our national development where our foundational values have almost eroded. Leaders and followers alike seem to have lost sight of core national visions and goals,” the statement read. “This initiative is a call to reflect on our past in order to redirect our future.”
The event will feature Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as the Host, with Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, serving as the Guest of Honour. The Chairmen of the Southern and Northern Governors’ Fora are listed as Special Guests of Honour.
The Guest Speaker is the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, while respected public affairs analyst Dr. Festus Adedayo and political scientist Prof. O.C. Nwolise will serve as discussants.
The Ibadan Discourse Group, comprising elder statesmen and seasoned technocrats from across the South West, is chaired by Chief Adebisi Adesola, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Oyo State, with veteran broadcaster Dr. Yemi Farounbi as Patron. Other notable members include Chief Tola Adeniyi, Ambassador Ayo Olukanni, Erelu Olusola Obada, and Oloye Lekan Alabi, among others.
