Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, was elected as the new Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum on Monday, with Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, emerging as the Vice Chairman. This strategic leadership shift aims to reinvigorate the forum, which unites the governors from Nigeria’s South-West, South-South, and South-East geopolitical zones.
Abiodun succeeds the late former governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who passed away in December last year.
The election took place during a meeting held at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, Ogun State, attended by an array of prominent southern governors: Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Alex Otti (Abia), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Bassey Otu (Cross River).
Deputy governors represented Imo, Delta, and Ondo states. Conspicuously absent was any representation from Rivers State.
Following a five-hour closed-door session, Governor Abiodun addressed the press, expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him and Prof Soludo. He pledged to honour this responsibility, highlighting the significance of the forum’s unity and the commitment to advancing the interests of the southern states.
“I first want to thank all the governors for coming to Abeokuta today for this meeting, the first in about three years. It underscores the commitment and determination to ensure that the southern states occupy their pride of place,” Abiodun stated.
He further expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and Prof Soludo and promised to justify this trust. “We have discussed a whole range of issues, and due to time constraints, myself and Governor Soludo will make available to you, the press, the details of our communiqué that reflects our aspirations, our determination, and the new and repositioned Southern Governors’ Forum.”
This leadership change marks a pivotal moment for the Southern Governors’ Forum as it seeks to enhance regional cooperation and address the pressing challenges facing the southern states of Nigeria.
