Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Afe Babalola (SAN); Chairman of the Yoruba Unity Forum and member of the Afenifere Elders’ Caucus, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu and governance expert, Dr Ayo Awoyemi, are among the leading speakers for the forthcoming South-West stakeholders’ dialogue scheduled to hold in Akure, Ondo State.

The two-day regional forum, themed, ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,’ will take place from October 29-30, 2025, at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure.

The dialogue, convened by Leader of Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti, is designed as a citizen–government interactive town hall session that will bring together ministers, and other stakeholders from across the six South-West states.

Babalola will deliver a special address on ‘Appraising Democracy and Leadership in Contemporary Nigeria,’ setting the tone for reflections on governance and institutional performance in the country.

Ladigbolu will deliver a special address, while Dr Awoyemi is billed to present the keynote address.

Both are expected to provide thought-provoking perspectives on strengthening democratic governance and regional cooperation.

The dialogue will be hosted by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his counterparts: Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).

Expected participants include current and former political leaders, professional associations, youth and women’s groups, civil society organisations, business leaders, and traditional institutions.