Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has described the emergence of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum as a massive boost to the development and progress of the region.
The CSOs are certain that Sanwo-Olu is a perfect replacement for the late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu whose demise in 2023 paved the way for his emergence.
The Convener of Campaign for Dignity in Governance & Coalition of 70 Civil Society Organizations, Razaq Olokoba made this known in a press statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the Coalition, the Lagos State governor is coming on board at the appropriate time, deserving and qualified for the job, as well as can develop the South West geopolitical region. While urging Sanwo-Olu to build on the template and achievement of his predecessor and continue the push for the full adoption of state police in the country.
“We commend South West Governors Forum for unanimously nominating and adopting the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as its Chairman.
“Truth be told; the decision is welcomed by people in the region and it is coming at a time when the region needs a leader like Sanwo-Olu.
“Looking at the achievements of Sanwo-Olu in the last five years, there is absolutely no doubt he will greatly add value to the region.
“We encourage Governor Sanwo-Olu to pick up from where his predecessor left off in striving to develop and secure the Yoruba nation and the country at large.
“It is good that he is so qualified for the post, and knows how to operate a regional mechanism that will further integrate the Southwest region into the national political grid. Sanwo-Olu can also latch on the template laid down by the late Ondo State Governor for a seamless time in that office.
“For us, we want to see unprecedented achievement from the Lagos State governor and we strongly believe Sanwo-Olu can deliver,” the statement read.
Sanwo-Olu was elected the chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum in an election that took place earlier in the week during a closed-door meeting in Lagos. All six governors from the South West states attended the meeting.
The Governors also adopted Ise wa fun ile wa as South West Anthem.
They include Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State; Lucky Ayedatiwa, Ondo State; Seyi Makinde Oyo State; Ademola Adeleke, Osun State; Abiodun Oyebanji, Ekiti State, and the host governor, Sanwo-Olu.
He succeeded the late Ondo State governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who served as the forum’s chairman until his demise on December 27, 2023.
