By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

The Conference of Speakers of South-West States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening legislative collaboration, deepening democratic governance, and advancing regional development across the geopolitical zone.

This formed part of the resolutions contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the National Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chairman of the South-West Conference of Speakers and Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Speaker of Ogun State, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Olusegun Elemide (Arch); and Speaker of Osun State, Rt. Hon. Olumide Adewole Egbedun, at the end of their meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Presenting the resolutions, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting national unity and development, and commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his visionary leadership and the ongoing infrastructural transformation in the state.

The Speakers also applauded South-West Governors for their sustained efforts in driving progress and economic growth across the region.

During the meeting, the Speakers deliberated extensively on issues of governance, national development, and constitutional reforms. They adopted a unified position on key national matters including electoral reform, inclusive governance, devolution of powers, State policing and security, fiscal reforms, citizenship and indigeneship, and strengthening Local Government administration.

The Conference further highlighted the need to review the Harmonized Standing Orders of South-West State Legislatures to promote uniformity and efficiency in legislative processes, while reaffirming their commitment to enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation. They also proposed hosting a South-West Legislative Summit in Oyo State in the first quarter of 2026 to foster peer learning and strategic development among State Assemblies.

Acknowledging the importance of security to regional stability, the Speakers commended the operational achievements of the South-West Security Network (Amotekun) and proposed the establishment of Post-Legislative Scrutiny Units across State Assemblies. The units, they noted, would evaluate the effectiveness of key laws such as the Anti-Open Grazing and Amotekun laws to ensure alignment with evolving security needs.

The Conference urged South-West Governors to work closely with the National Boundary Commission to resolve recurring boundary disputes in the region and called for increased youth inclusion in governance. They appealed to governments at all levels to create more opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.

On agriculture, the Speakers advocated improved budgetary allocation to strengthen food security, enhance healthy living, and promote sustainable livelihoods across the region.

After the meeting, the Speakers, accompanied by their Majority Leaders, visited the Gateway International Airport in Iperu, where they commended the Ogun State Government for its commitment to executing the project.