Southern Governors, Traditional Rulers Meet In Iperu, Adopt Key Resolutions On Security, Regional Cooperation

Southern governors and traditional rulers from across the South-West, South-East, and South-South converged in Iperu, Ogun State, on Wednesday for a joint meeting hosted by Governor Dapo Abiodun CON.

The high-level gathering focused on strengthening regional security, deepening cooperation, and advancing shared development priorities.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Governor Abiodun said the forum reaffirmed its collective commitment to the unity, stability, and peace of Nigeria, while also addressing urgent challenges affecting the southern region.

He noted that the governors and traditional rulers reviewed the security situation nationwide and extended their condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the recent loss of military personnel in Borno, as well as the mass abductions recorded in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States.

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The participants commended President Tinubu for ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, rehabilitate security institutions, and deliver landmark infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway.

At the end of deliberations, the forum adopted several resolutions, including the creation of a zonal security fund, the establishment of an enhanced intelligence-sharing framework, renewed advocacy for State Police, a unified resident identification programme, and stronger support for local and regional security outfits. Member states were also urged to work with traditional rulers to regulate land allocation and curb illegal mining activities posing security and environmental risks.

The governors and traditional rulers jointly passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, reaffirming the long-standing position of the southern region as captured in the 2021 Asaba Accord, which advocated for a President of Southern extraction.

Governor Abiodun stressed that Southern Nigeria remains united and committed to peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural lines. He added that the region would continue to work collaboratively with the Federal Government to promote peace, prosperity, and inclusive progress for all Nigerians.