The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been selected as the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum following the passing of former Chairman Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State. The decision was made during a closed-door meeting that lasted over four hours and included the presence of six governors from the region.
Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the unanimous decision of the governors and emphasized the Forum's stance against the Yoruba Nation agitation. Additionally, the governors expressed support for the impending new minimum wage set to be announced by the Federal Government, ensuring it reflects true federalism.
During the meeting, the South-West Governors Forum reiterated its commitment to the establishment of state police. They also adopted "Ise Wa Fun Ile Wa" as the anthem and urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the rehabilitation of federal roads across the country.
Furthermore, the governors commended federal lawmakers for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission bill, aimed at enhancing economic growth and food security in the region. They called for the swift passage of the bill for the benefit of all states involved.
The communique issued at the end of the meeting highlighted various resolutions, including the appointment of Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Chairman, paying tribute to the late Chairman Akeredolu, and endorsing collaboration on food security and mineral resources exploitation. The Forum also condemned the Yoruba nation agitators and pledged to strengthen the DAWN Commission for enhanced operational efficiency.
The attendees at the meeting included Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti. The governors affirmed their commitment to working together towards the progress and development of the South-West region.