Southwest governors, eminent Yoruba leaders, and key stakeholders have emphasized the need for unity, collaboration, and institutionalized dialogue between citizens and government to deepen democratic governance in the region.
They made the call on Wednesday at the Southwest Stakeholders’ Dialogue, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” held at the International Conference Centre (The Dome) in Akure, Ondo State. The two-day regional summit brought together governors, ministers, traditional rulers, and leaders of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organization, to discuss strategies for inclusive and accountable governance.
In his keynote address, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Akin Onigbinde, SAN, Chairman of the Southwest Summit Steering Committee, described the engagement as a milestone in the region’s democratic journey, being the first structured platform that allows citizens to interact directly with government officials on policies and programs affecting their lives.
“This summit represents a milestone in our democratic journey as a region,” he said. “For the first time, we are creating an institutionalized platform where citizens can directly engage with the government on policies, programs, and priorities that affect our daily lives. This is democracy in action — transparent, participatory, and accountable.”
Onigbinde, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, warned that the greatest threat to the initiative would be treating it as a one-time event rather than an enduring institution. “The greatest threat to this initiative is not opposition from any quarter,” he said. “The greatest threat is that we treat this as a one-off event rather than the beginning of an institution. I therefore call on all stakeholders present to ensure this becomes a statutory fixture in the Southwest governance calendar.”
Also speaking at the event, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the summit provided an opportunity to renew the region’s tradition of accountability, inclusion, and citizens’ participation.
He noted that the progress of the Southwest could only be sustained through regular dialogue between government and the people. “True progress can be achieved not by speaking to citizens, but by government listening to the yearnings of the people,” Abiodun said.
“As we cradle on progressive politics and intellectual innovation, the South-West region must always lead Nigeria’s path towards modern governance, from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s visionary legacies to our collective strides in education, technology, and enterprise. Democracy thrives when dialogue flourishes, so let this summit resolve to deepen collaboration, confront challenges together, and build a future anchored on unity, progress, and growth,” he added.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, Abiodun praised Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for hosting the summit and providing a platform for inclusive engagement across the region.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who serves as Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, also called for a renewed commitment to regional unity and excellence. He said it was time for the Southwest to reclaim its place as the beacon of innovation, education, and good governance in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State described the historic gathering as an affirmation of the synergy between the region’s leaders and institutions. He said democracy thrives when leaders and citizens engage in constructive dialogue and called for deeper cooperation to confront shared challenges.
The convener of the programme and leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, represented by former Afenifere Secretary General Femi Okurounmu, urged Southwest governors to put aside political differences and unite for the overall development of the region.
He called on politicians, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to recommit to the welfare-oriented political philosophy that defines Yoruba heritage. “The greatness of the Southwest has always rested on collective vision and unity of purpose,” Fasoranti noted. “Now, more than ever, we must work together to uphold those values.”
Dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako; Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Olayide Adelami; Osun State Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi; Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Dr. Omolola Adubiaro; former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; former Ogun State Deputy Governor Segun Adesegun; former Ogun State Speaker Suraju Adekunbi; Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, among others.
The Southwest Stakeholders’ Dialogue continues with technical sessions focusing on fiscal reforms, economic development, human capital, and security, as delegates deliberate on practical frameworks for inclusive governance and sustainable progress in the region.
