By Milcah Tanimu

Ten governors have arrived in abeokuta, the ogun state capital, for a crucial southern governors’ forum meeting. The governors are gathering at the presidential lodge in ibara housing estate, abeokuta.

Leading the early arrivals was governor babajide sanwo-olu of lagos, who also chairs the south west governors’ forum. He was welcomed by the host governor, dapo abiodun of ogun state.

Other attending governors include seyi makinde (oyo), biodun oyebanji (ekiti), alex otti (abia), godwin obaseki (edo), ademola adeleke (osun), and bassey otu (cross river). The deputy governors present are chinyere ekomaru (imo), monday onyeme (delta), and olayide adelami (ondo).

The meeting is significant as it marks the first gathering of the southern governors’ forum since the passing of the former chairman, rotimi akeredolu, the late governor of ondo state, who died in december 2023. The forum has yet to elect a new chairman following akeredolu’s death.

The agenda for this meeting remains undisclosed, but it is expected to address critical regional and national issues. Governors from all 17 southern states are anticipated to attend.

More details will follow as the meeting progresses.