Reuben Fasoranti, leader of the Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, has urged political leaders across Nigeria, particularly those from the south-west, to prioritise performance and public impact over partisan competition.
Fasoranti spoke in Akure, the Ondo state capital, on
Wednesday at the two-day south-west stakeholders’ dialogue.
Represented by Femi Okurounmu, former secretary-general of
Afenifere, Fasoranti said ministers and political leaders from the region must
rise above party interests and ensure equitable distribution of federal
projects and resources.
“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.”
He called on south-west governors to pursue interstate
collaboration for regional growth.
“When Osun innovates successfully, let Oyo adopt and adapt.
When Lagos leads, let others follow. When Ondo discovers a solution, let it
become the south-west’s solution,” he advised.
Fasoranti urged the younger generation to reject divisive
politics and uphold the Yoruba legacy of unity, welfarism, and innovation.
“Stop competing over party labels,” he said.
“Start competing over who has built more schools, created
more jobs, and provided better healthcare. That is the politics that serves our
people.”
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos and chairman of the
south-west governors’ forum, aligned with Fasoranti’s message, saying the
region must reclaim its leadership in education, innovation, and governance.
“The south-west cannot afford fragmentation,” Sanwo-Olu
said.
“We must build a shared vision that uplifts all our states.
Our strength lies in collaboration, not competition.”
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu’s reforms for
restoring investor confidence and endorsed the proposed South-west Development
Commission to accelerate regional growth.
Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, represented by his deputy
Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said democracy thrives on inclusion and accountability,
calling for greater participation of women and youth in governance.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, 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.”
Traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba
Abimbola Owoade, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, called for unity,
moral leadership, and increased investment in youth, agriculture, and
infrastructure.
Bisi Akande, former national chairman of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), praised Tinubu’s courage in pursuing economic
reforms but urged the federal government to deepen federalism and ensure
measurable development outcomes.
“Development must be measured by impact, not promises,”
Akande said, calling on the DAWN Commission to fast-track regional
infrastructure projects.
The dialogue, themed “Strengthening democracy through
dialogue: Assessing progress, charting the future”, brought together ministers,
governors, legislators, traditional rulers, and civil society leaders from
across the southwest.
South-west governors present at the dialogue included Seyi
Makinde of Oyo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and top
federal ministers such as Wale Edun, Adebayo Adelabu, Iziaq Salako, and
Adegboyega Oyetola.
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