Ekiti Speaker Aribasoye Seeks Southwest Governors’ Support for Regional Legislative Summit

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By Ojo Ayodeji

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has appealed to governors across the Southwest to support the organisation of a regional legislative summit that will strengthen governance, policy alignment, and cooperation among states in the zone.

Aribasoye made the call on Thursday in Akure, Ondo State, during a two-day summit organised by Afenifere in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission.

According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Babajide Agbeyo, the Speaker, who also serves as Chairman of the Southwest Conference of Speakers said the proposed legislative summit would provide a unified platform for lawmakers to share ideas and develop coordinated policies that can drive regional progress.

He explained that improved legislative cooperation among Southwest states would help address infrastructural challenges, boost security, and promote inclusive growth.

“To accelerate progress in the Southwest, we must foster coordinated legislative frameworks that align policy across states and municipalities,” Aribasoye said. “A collaborative approach to lawmaking can streamline investment, ease cross-border commerce, harmonise regulatory standards, and incentivise inclusive growth.”

He further proposed the creation of joint legislative planning mechanisms, shared policy laboratories, and regional platforms for policy exchange to ensure effective implementation of common goals.

The Speaker also emphasised the need for deeper citizen engagement and cultural revival, noting that the Yoruba nation must rediscover and preserve its language and history for future generations.

Aribasoye attended the event in a dual capacity, representing Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, who could not attend due to other state engagements.

Delivering the Governor’s goodwill message, Aribasoye highlighted the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers, community leaders, and political authorities in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen national development.

Governor Oyebanji, in his message, commended President Tinubu for ongoing reforms that have improved healthcare, infrastructure, and economic stability, assuring that Ekiti State remains committed to the broader Yoruba and Southwest development agenda.

The summit, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue,” provided a platform for stakeholders to assess regional achievements and chart a path for sustainable development.

Dignitaries at the event included the host governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; representatives of other Southwest governors; the retired Methodist Archbishop of Ilesa and Ibadan, Pa Ayo Ladigbolu; and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, among other eminent Yoruba leaders.