…urges Southwest leaders to bury differences, prioritise development
By Fisayo Akinduro
Elder statesman and near-centurion leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has lamented the plight of the Yoruba Region.
He said the region was bleeding from years of political rivalries, noting that the unending disunity among Southwest leaders had crippled development and betrayed the legacy of their forebears.
Represented by Senator (Dr.) Femi Okunrounbi at the Southwest Stakeholders’ Dialogue held in Akure, Fasoranti said it was shameful that political leaders in the region had allowed partisanship to override the collective interest of their people.
He said, “Our governors were not elected to trade insults or compete in isolation; they were chosen to improve lives.
“When Osun innovates, Oyo should adopt. When Lagos leads, others must follow. Development must not wear a party badge.”
The Afenifere leader also charged ministers from the region serving in the federal cabinet to rise above party loyalty and defend Yoruba interests at the national level.
“You are not just party members or cabinet officials; you represent a people with a proud history and high expectations,” he said, urging them to secure fair access to federal projects and resources.
Fasoranti lamented that political bickering had weakened Yoruba unity, cautioning that continued division could erode the region’s relevance in national politics.
He described the Akure summit as a defining moment, “a platform where evidence must be presented, commitments made and follow-through expected.”
He appealed to citizens to shun rumour-mongering and divisive politics, stressing the need for accountability and dialogue.
Turning to the youth, he urged them to take charge of their destiny rather than wait endlessly for tomorrow.
“You are not tomorrow’s leaders; you are today’s stakeholders. Use your education, technology and global exposure to build the future we could not complete,” Fasoranti admonished.
As he prepares to clock 100 next year, the elder statesman said he was comforted by signs of renewed unity in the region.
He appealed to all political actors to “place the people’s interest above party interest,” dedicating his charge to the memory of Yoruba heroes and the hope of a united future.