In a significant gathering, the Southern Governors’ Forum convened a closed-door meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, on Monday.
The meeting marks the first convergence of the governors since the passing of former Chairman, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, in December 2023.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, led the early arrivals, and was warmly received by the host governor, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.
Eleven governors and two deputies were in attendance, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Alex Otti of Abia, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Bassey Otu of Cross River.
The agenda of the meeting remains undisclosed, but the election of a new chairman is anticipated to be a central focus.
The forum has not elected a new leader since Akeredolu’s passing, and this meeting presents an opportunity for the governors to decide on his successor.
The Southern Governors’ Forum comprises the governors of the 17 southern states of Nigeria, serving as a platform for regional discussion, strategy, and unified stance on national matters.
The meeting’s outcome is expected to have significant implications for the political and socio-economic landscape of the southern states.
