Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, has urged political leaders across Nigeria, particularly those from the Southwest, to stop competing over party identities and instead measure their worth by tangible performance and public impact.
The group’s leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, gave the charge on Wednesday at the ongoing two-day Southwest Stakeholders Dialogue in Akure, the Ondo State capital, stressing that ministers and political leaders from the region must rise above partisan loyalty and ensure equitable distribution of federal projects and resources.
Represented by Afenifere’s former Secretary-General, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Fasoranti reminded the ministers that they sit at the national decision-making table not merely as party loyalists but as custodians of the Southwest’s heritage and aspirations.
“Our ministers must never forget that they are not just cabinet officials; they are voices of a people whose aspirations must be fiercely defended. Work collaboratively with your governors, irrespective of party affiliations, and ensure that federal projects and policies benefit the Southwest equitably.”
He also charged Southwest governors to pursue inter-state collaboration by building on one another’s successes for regional growth and development.
“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.
The elder statesman called on the younger generation to reject divisive politics and embrace cooperation, unity, and innovation, noting that the Yoruba welfarist legacy must be preserved through inclusive governance and economic empowerment.
He emphasized that true leadership is measured by service delivery rather than political identity.
“Stop competing over party labels,” Fasoranti declared. “Start competing over who has built more schools, created more jobs, and provided better healthcare. That is the politics that serves our people.”
Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aligned with Fasoranti’s message, saying the region must reclaim its leadership in innovation, education, and governance.
“The Southwest cannot afford fragmentation,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We must build a shared vision that uplifts all our states. Our strength lies in collaboration, not competition.”
He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s reforms for restoring investor confidence and endorsed the proposed Southwest Development Commission to coordinate and accelerate regional growth.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said democracy thrives on inclusion and accountability, calling for greater participation of women and youth in governance while reaffirming the state’s support for Tinubu’s reform agenda beyond 2027.
Host Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, described the dialogue as a milestone in strengthening democratic engagement between citizens and government.
“By engaging with us, the Federal Government shows that democracy matures when the centre listens to the regions,” Aiyedatiwa said. “Let us chart a future where the Southwest remains a beacon of progress and Nigeria fulfils her promise to all citizens.”
Traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, also lent their voices, advocating unity, moral leadership, and greater investment in youth development, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Former Osun State Governor and APC chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande, applauded President Tinubu’s courage in pursuing economic reforms but urged the entrenchment of genuine federalism, ethical governance, and measurable development outcomes.
“Development must be measured by impact, not promises,” Akande said, calling on the DAWN Commission to accelerate shared infrastructure projects that would strengthen the region’s economy.
The regional dialogue, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” brought together ministers, governors, legislators, traditional rulers, and civil society leaders.
Some of the Southwest leaders at the summit included, the Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi; the Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; the Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal.
Others included Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olaide Adelami, former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the coordinating Minister for Finance, Wale Edu, Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of State for Heath, Dr Iziaq Salako, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Also in attendance were: Alafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Olowo of Owo and Chairman, Council of Obas, Ondo State, Oba Ajibade Oguonoye, the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, HRM Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo among others.
Fidelis David
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