Dialogue of Unity: South-West Leaders and Traditional Rulers Pledge Stronger Collaboration for Regional Progress
South-West leaders and traditional rulers unite in Akure to strengthen Yoruba cooperation, foster development, and champion regional integration under a renewed dialogue for democracy.
In a historic gathering that reawakened the spirit of Yoruba unity, political leaders, traditional rulers, and eminent personalities from across South-West Nigeria converged on Akure, Ondo State, for the 2025 edition of the South-West Leaders’ Dialogue. The meeting focused on reinforcing collaboration, deepening democratic values, and accelerating development across the region.
A Call for Yoruba Unity and Renewal
The convener of the summit and Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, through his representative, Femi Okunrohunmu, emphasized that political divisions must no longer weaken Yoruba solidarity. He decried how partisanship had eroded the brotherhood that once defined Yoruba politics, urging leaders to put people above party.
“I have seen brothers refuse to greet each other because they belong to different parties. I have witnessed projects abandoned because they came from rival administrations. This must end today,” he declared.
Fasoranti called for a return to the founding values of welfarism and progressivism — principles established by Chief Obafemi Awolowo — describing them as the moral compass for Yoruba leadership.
Akande Commends Tinubu’s ‘Quiet Restructuring’
Former Osun State governor and APC pioneer chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing regional development commissions, describing the move as a “quiet restructuring” that restores true federalism to Nigeria.
Akande said the establishment of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) marked a turning point for regional autonomy and progress.
“Each commission represents not just a geographical zone, but an economic engine that empowers regions to shape their own destinies,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu and Abiodun Advocate Collective Vision
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, called for renewed unity and collaboration, stressing that democracy thrives only when dialogue is sincere and inclusive.
“The time to reclaim our heritage and shape the future of our region is now,” Sanwo-Olu urged.
Similarly, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the South-West Leaders’ Dialogue as a vital bridge between citizens and government, praising President Tinubu’s economic reforms for restoring national confidence.
Aiyedatiwa: Democracy Must Move from Talk to Action
Host governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, welcomed participants with a strong message — that democracy must evolve beyond conversation to implementation. He commended the Federal Government’s commitment to fiscal reforms that had strengthened state economies.
“Dialogue must move beyond talk to actions that strengthen institutions and rebuild public trust,” Aiyedatiwa said.
DAWN Commission and Traditional Institutions Align
The Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, reiterated the purpose of the Dialogue — to make democracy participatory and transparent by involving citizens in decision-making. He explained that the platform aims to provide firsthand information on government performance, drive accountability, and mobilize public input for policies that impact over 40 million residents of the South-West.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, echoed these sentiments, describing dialogue as the heartbeat of democracy. He encouraged stronger institutions, civic inclusion, and cultural continuity rooted in Yoruba values.
The South-West Leaders’ Dialogue 2025 reaffirmed a shared commitment to regional integration, peace, and prosperity. From Akure, the message was clear — the Yoruba nation must stand together, guided by unity, progress, and purposeful dialogue to build a stronger and more prosperous region.
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South-West Dialogue, Yoruba Unity, Reuben Fasoranti, Bisi Akande, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, DAWN Commission, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, South-West Development Commission, Yoruba politics, regional integration, peachymediatv blog.
