The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has called on political leaders across Nigeria, particularly those from the Southwest, to abandon partisan competition and instead focus on tangible performance and public service.
Speaking at the Southwest Stakeholders Dialogue in Akure, Ondo State, Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti urged ministers and political figures from the region to “rise above party loyalty” and ensure equitable distribution of federal projects and resources.
Represented by former Afenifere Secretary-General Senator Femi Okurounmu, Fasoranti reminded political appointees that they serve as custodians of the Southwest’s heritage and aspirations, not merely as party representatives.
“Our ministers must never forget that they are not just cabinet officials; they are voices of a people whose aspirations must be fiercely defended,” he said. “Work collaboratively with your governors, irrespective of party affiliations, and ensure that federal projects and policies benefit the Southwest equitably.”
Fasoranti also called for stronger collaboration among Southwest governors, encouraging them to learn from one another’s successes.
“When Osun innovates successfully, let Oyo adopt and adapt. When Lagos leads, let others follow. When Ondo discovers a solution, let it become the Southwest’s solution,” he advised.
He challenged the younger generation to reject divisive politics, uphold the Yoruba welfarist legacy, and measure leadership by tangible service delivery.
“Stop competing over party labels,” Fasoranti declared. “Start competing over who has built more schools, created more jobs, and provided better healthcare.”
Sanwo-Olu, others endorse call for regional unity
Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, echoed Fasoranti’s message, stressing that the region’s progress depends on collaboration, not competition.
“The Southwest cannot afford fragmentation,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We must build a shared vision that uplifts all our states. Our strength lies in collaboration.”
He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s reforms for restoring investor confidence and endorsed the proposed Southwest Development Commission to drive regional development.
Other voices at the dialogue
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, emphasized inclusiveness in governance and reaffirmed Ogun’s support for Tinubu’s reform agenda beyond 2027.
Host governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, described the dialogue as a milestone in deepening democratic engagement.
“Democracy matures when the centre listens to the regions,” he said.
Traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, urged unity, moral leadership, and investment in youth and infrastructure.
Former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, commended Tinubu’s economic reforms but stressed the need for genuine federalism and measurable development outcomes.
“Development must be measured by impact, not promises,” Akande said, calling on the DAWN Commission to fast-track shared infrastructure projects.
The dialogue, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” gathered ministers, governors, legislators, traditional rulers, and civil society leaders from across the Southwest.
Among attendees were governors or representatives of Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Oyo, and Ondo States, as well as ministers Wale Edun (Finance), Adebayo Adelabu (Power), Iziaq Salako (Health), and Adegboyega Oyetola (Marine and Blue Economy).
