South-West Engagement Summit 2025: Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue – By Olukayode Ajulo

By Olukayode Ajulo

A defining moment has set upon us in our democratic journey as we have successfully converged on the Dome in Akure and engaged in robust deliberations at the South-West Engagement Summit held on the 28th and 29th of October, 2025. The summit, aptly themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” has not merely been another event on the civic calendar; it is a solemn call to action. It beckons us, as stakeholders in the South-West, to unite and reflect as we engage in constructive dialogue on the future of governance, democracy, and development in our region and nation.
For decades, the South-West region has stood as the conscience and intellectual compass of Nigeria. From the visionary political philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the resilience of Afenifere to the institutional foresight of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, we have consistently led the charge for good governance, equity, and progress. The two bodies, Afenifere and the DAWN Commission, have championed the cause of our people through policy advocacy, cultural preservation, and strategic collaboration across states. Afenifere, under the leadership of respected elder statesman Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and with the DAWN Commission steered by visionary technocrats led by Dr. Seye Oyeleye, our region has continued to show that regional integration and cooperation remain the surest path to sustainable growth.
The summit, therefore, represents a continuation and elevation of that enduring legacy. It serves as a unifying platform where traditional rulers, policymakers, civil society leaders, youth and women groups, academia, and private sector actors converge to deliberate on the pressing challenges of governance, economy, security, and inclusion. Through this open dialogue, we have built consensus on the path forward, aligning our regional priorities with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The summit has thoroughly examined the future and interests of the South-West within the Nigerian context and in relation to the wider global environment. While the focus has been on articulating the priorities and aspirations of our region within Nigeria and the world at large, we must not lose sight of the extant and critical interest of both the South-West and Nigeria as a nation — the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This remains essential to ensure continuity and consolidation of the sustainable path of development that his policies, programmes, and projects have set Nigeria upon.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has introduced far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria for long-term prosperity. His decisive actions on fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, public sector reforms, and fiscal transparency reflect a bold and pragmatic leadership — one that seeks not quick applause but lasting impact. His administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, job creation, and youth empowerment through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, Student Loan Programme, and National Job Creation Initiative demonstrates that governance can indeed be people-centred when anchored on courage and clarity of vision.
Here in Ondo State, under the capable leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the government has fully aligned with this national direction through the OUR EASE Agenda. In harmony with the spirit of Renewed Hope, his administration has undertaken strategic reforms and transformative projects aimed at driving inclusive growth and strengthening institutions.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has prioritised security, making Ondo one of the safest states in the country through the reactivation and modernisation of the Amotekun Corps. His government has also invested heavily in infrastructure, from road construction across senatorial districts to the revitalisation of the Ondo Port project, which holds immense potential for trade and employment.
In the education sector, Governor Aiyedatiwa has improved access and quality, ensuring that our children are well-equipped for the future through enhanced teacher welfare, school rehabilitation, and digital learning initiatives. He has equally advanced healthcare delivery with new facilities, recruitment of health workers, and the expansion of rural health services.
Agricultural programmes have empowered thousands of farmers, while the government’s investment in technology and innovation hubs continues to position Ondo as a rising centre for the next generation of entrepreneurs. All of these efforts are anchored on the Governor’s steadfast belief that governance must be inclusive, transparent, and accountable.
As the Attorney General of Ondo State and a member of the Local Organising Committee for the Summit, I acknowledge the unwavering commitment and visionary leadership of the entire South-West Governors — beginning with the host, His Excellency Governor Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, FCA, and extending to Governors Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, of Ogun State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, of Oyo State, Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and Mr. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State.
Their dedication to collective progress and regional integration continues to strengthen the South-West Governors’ Forum as a beacon of unity and purposeful leadership. Together, they are promoting policies that prioritise security, economic empowerment, and inter-state development. Through their collaboration, they have deepened the implementation of Amotekun for regional security, pursued infrastructural connectivity, and fostered economic cooperation in agriculture, energy, and digital innovation. Their partnership and support for this summit reaffirm their shared conviction that the destiny of the South-West must be built on dialogue, understanding, and collective action.
The South-West Engagement Summit is therefore not just an Ondo State initiative; it is an actionable movement for all Yoruba sons and daughters, and indeed all Nigerians of like mind — from Ekiti to Oyo, Osun to Lagos, Ogun to Ondo — extending to our kith and kin across the Middle Belt, North Central, and even beyond our borders in Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo, and other parts of West Africa, where Yoruba heritage thrives. The call is for every stakeholder to take ownership of this democratic rebirth — to contribute, to question, and to collaborate for the greater good of our people.
I therefore salute and congratulate Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the successful turnout at the summit, as he has taken a leadership role in the South-West. I equally commend all members of the Local Organising Committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, for their outstanding coordination. When the history of the South-West is being written, the name of Governor Aiyedatiwa and those who put this summit together will be proudly mentioned.
As we conclude this summit to assess our progress, refine our vision, and reaffirm our collective resolve to strengthen democracy through meaningful dialogue, let us sustain the momentum and transform our resolutions into actionable frameworks that will drive sustainable growth across our region and the nation at large.
In the words of our forebears, “Agbá jọ pọ, ọwọ la fi n soya” — together we can lift the land. Let us, therefore, rise above divisions and continue to embrace dialogue as we forge a new path of unity, prosperity, and hope for our region and our nation.
Under our shared commitment and in partnership with the Renewed Hope vision of President Tinubu, we will continue to build a South-West that stands as a model of progress, accountability, and human dignity.

Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State, and Member, Local Organising Committee.