Nigerians have continued to hail the emergence of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum, describing the development as a massive boost to the progress of the region.
The Convener, of Campaign for Dignity in Governance – Shamshudeen Hamzat says the emergence of Sanwo-Olu received wide acceptance both from people in the region and the other 5 geo-political regions in Nigeria in a nationwide opinion poll conducted shortly after he emerged.
Hamzat made this known in a press conference addressed Tuesday in Lagos. Additionally, the civil society organization is certain that Sanwo-Olu is a perfect replacement for the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu whose demise in 2023 paved the way for his emergence.
According to him, 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,” Hamzat stated.
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.
