In a significant demonstration of regional solidarity and collective resolve to tackle pressing developmental challenges, the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) is scheduled to hold its quarterly meeting today, Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in the historic town of Iperu, Ogun State. The gathering, which underscores the growing importance of sub-national cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted socio-economic and security concerns, will bring together governors from the three southern geopolitical zones—South-West, South-South, and South-East—at the private residence of the host governor.
The announcement was formally made through a statement released by the Ogun State Governor and current Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun. According to the statement, the closed-door meeting of the governors is slated to commence at exactly 10:00 a.m. at the Governor’s Residence in Iperu, a serene community in the Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. While the specific agenda items remain confidential at this stage, sources close to the Forum indicate that discussions will revolve around critical national issues, including power sector reforms, revenue allocation, infrastructure development, security architecture in the southern region, and the implementation of the newly assented Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), among others.
One of the highlights of the day’s programme is a joint session between the Southern Governors’ Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, scheduled for 1:00 p.m. This historic interface between elected political leaders and revered traditional institutions is designed to foster greater synergy between modern governance structures and age-old custodians of culture and tradition. The engagement is expected to provide a platform for candid exchanges on matters of shared regional interest, including the promotion of peace, conflict resolution mechanisms, youth empowerment, and the preservation of cultural heritage amidst rapid modernization.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a series of posts on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, expressed his administration’s delight at hosting the high-profile gathering. Describing the meeting as a crucial step toward consolidating regional unity, the governor highlighted the warm reception extended to early arrivals, particularly traditional rulers and respected leaders from across the southern states. “As we prepare to host the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting today, we were pleased to receive some of the distinguished attendees, particularly traditional rulers and respected leaders from across the southern region,” he wrote.
He further noted that the pre-meeting interactions had already begun to “deepen ongoing engagements and align our shared expectations ahead of the gathering.” The governor paid glowing tributes to the royal fathers, acknowledging their “wisdom and guidance” as indispensable ingredients in the decision-making processes of the region. “We value the presence of our royal fathers and regional leaders, whose wisdom and guidance continue to enrich our processes,” he stated.
Emphasizing Ogun State’s role as the host, Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for frank and fruitful deliberations. “As host, we remain committed to creating an atmosphere that encourages honest dialogue and fosters stronger collaboration among all stakeholders as we work together for the peace, stability, and development of our region and country by extension,” he concluded.
The choice of Iperu as the venue carries both symbolic and practical significance. As the hometown of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a prominent son of the South-West and one of Nigeria’s most influential elder statesmen, Iperu represents a location steeped in political history and national relevance. The decision to host the meeting at the Governor’s Residence rather than a conventional conference centre also signals an intention to keep proceedings intimate and focused, away from the usual media glare that accompanies such gatherings.
Since its resuscitation in 2021 after years of dormancy, the Southern Governors’ Forum has evolved into a formidable platform for articulating the interests of the southern region within Nigeria’s complex federal structure. Past meetings have produced far-reaching resolutions, including the famous Asaba Declaration that banned open grazing of cattle and called for state police, as well as collective positions on fiscal federalism, value-added tax administration, and the devolution of powers. Observers believe that today’s meeting may build on those earlier positions while responding to emerging challenges such as the lingering economic hardship, rising insecurity in some southern communities, and the need for a unified southern voice in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
The inclusion of traditional rulers in the day’s programme marks a strategic departure from previous meetings, signalling recognition that sustainable development in southern Nigeria cannot be achieved by political officeholders alone. Traditional institutions remain highly influential in community mobilisation, dispute resolution, and the preservation of social cohesion. By bringing monarchs into direct dialogue with governors, the Forum appears determined to harness this grassroots influence in tackling contemporary challenges ranging from youth restiveness to farmer-herder conflicts and the erosion of cultural values.
As delegates converge on Iperu this morning, there is cautious optimism among political analysts that the outcomes of today’s deliberations could shape the trajectory of regional and national politics in the coming months. With Nigeria grappling with economic difficulties, security concerns, and the ever-present debate over restructuring, the ability of southern governors to speak with one voice—and in concert with traditional authorities—could prove pivotal in influencing policy direction at the centre.
The meeting comes at a time when regional blocs across the country are increasingly asserting themselves in national discourse. The Northern Governors’ Forum, the South-East Governors’ Forum, and other sub-regional bodies have all held similar engagements in recent months, underscoring the growing importance of zonal coordination in Nigeria’s federal system.
For the people of Ogun State, hosting this gathering represents another feather in the cap of the Dapo Abiodun administration, which has positioned the state as a hub for investment, industrialisation, and now high-level political diplomacy. As the clock ticks toward the 10:00 a.m. commencement, all eyes will be on Iperu as southern Nigeria’s political and traditional leaders converge to chart a common path toward peace, progress, and prosperity.
