The push for deeper legislative cooperation in Nigeria’s Southwest gained fresh momentum as Speakers from the six states agreed to pursue a more united front on electoral reform and other national issues. Their resolve came after a closed-door legislative meeting in Abeokuta, a session that felt less like a routine gathering and more like a quiet recalibration of regional priorities.
At the heart of it was Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria. He delivered the keynote address and spent much of his time urging his colleagues to think beyond state boundaries. To him, the region can no longer afford fragmented approaches to matters that shape Nigeria’s future.
He put it simply, “Our people demand results, not rivalries. The time has come for us to harmonize our legislative priorities, especially around issues that affect the structure and future of this country. Electoral reform is not just a political concern, it is a democratic necessity.”
It was a moment that set the tone for the rest of the meeting. Conversations on electoral integrity, constitutional amendments, devolution of powers, youth political inclusion, and security carried a renewed sense of urgency. The lawmakers agreed that shared challenges demand shared solutions.
A major outcome was the announcement that Oyo State will host the maiden Southwest Legislative Summit in Ibadan in the first quarter of 2026. Ogundoyin described the upcoming summit as more than just another policy event. In his words, it will be “a strategic platform to deepen legislative peer learning, review policy gaps, and develop unified frameworks for regional challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, food security, and environmental degradation.”
He added, “We are stronger when we legislate with a shared vision. The upcoming summit will be historic, not just for the Southwest, but for the evolution of subnational democracy in Nigeria.”
The Speakers also took a moment to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts toward reconciliation and constitutional review. They acknowledged that both the National Assembly and state legislatures have a defining role in shaping laws that reflect fairness, justice, and a sense of belonging for all Nigerians.
By the time the meeting wrapped up, the Speakers had issued a communiqué committing to closer legislative cooperation and policy harmonization across member states. They also agreed to formalize the Southwest Speakers’ forum as a permanent bloc dedicated to regional development.
For a region often seen as the country’s political thought-leader, the tone from Abeokuta suggested a renewed willingness to match that reputation with coordinated action.