…Supports State Creation, Rejects Ceding Part Of Ondo

– As the Constitution Review Committee held the public hearing on Friday in Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said that any meaningful constitutional amendment must reflect the values, aspirations, and socio-economic realities of the people, particularly through the adoption of true federalism and a restructured revenue-sharing formula.

The governor, who declared the hearing open, welcomed delegates and stakeholders from Ekiti, Osun, and across the South-West, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to democratic reforms.

He lauded the House Committee led by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for bringing the constitution review exercise closer to the people.

Describing the review as a “timely and laudable endeavour,” Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the need to breathe new life into the Constitution so it can better respond to Nigeria’s evolving challenges.

Highlighting key areas where Ondo State supports urgent constitutional amendments, Governor Aiyedatiwa said it included fiscal federalism, state policing, control of mineral resources, and recognition of the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as full local government areas.

He said: “Ondo State aligns with the progressive aspirations of the South-West in advocating for true federalism that reflects the socio-political, cultural and economic realities of the federating units,l.

“States should have full control over their resources and remit about 40% to the Federal Government. The current revenue allocation is skewed in favour of the centre, and that must be corrected.”

Speaking on security, Governor Aiyedatiwa called for the establishment of state police, noting that the centralised policing system is no longer effective in tackling Nigeria’s complex internal security threats.

“The centralised police institution has tried its best but has become overwhelmed and underfunded. States, being closer to the people, better understand their local security challenges. The success of the Amotekun Corps in the South-West is a strong argument in favour of state police,” he said.

The governor, therefore, proposed that control over natural resources, particularly minerals, should be removed from the Exclusive Legislative List and placed on the Concurrent or Residual Legislative List to enable states fully harness their mineral wealth.

He said: “Ondo State is blessed with mineral resources like limestone, granite, bitumen, kaolin and marble. Yet, operators face bureaucratic bottlenecks and illegal mining thrives due to weak federal oversight. This must change.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa further demanded that the 33 LCDAs created in Ondo State be recognized as full-fledged Local Government Areas in the First Schedule of the Constitution, just as is being proposed for similar structures in Lagos State.

The Governor, who said Ondo State is not opposed to the creation of new states, however, firmly rejected any proposal that would alter the current territorial integrity of the State or cede any part of it to another state to make up a new one.

Furthermore, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to produce a Constitution that better reflects the collective vision for a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive Nigeria.

The House of Representatives Committee received wide-ranging memoranda from key stakeholders at the public hearing.

Representatives of labour unions, professional bodies, religious groups, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and women groups from Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun States presented proposals aimed at correcting longstanding imbalances and deepening democratic practice.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, called for equal political representation for women and persons with disabilities, formal recognition of traditional rulers, and restrictions on the indiscriminate movement of herders and livestock across the country.

In his remarks, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Kola Adewusi, called for the reduction of the high cost of governance and political campaigns, warning that unregulated campaign expenses could lead to desperation and electoral malpractice.

Representing traditional rulers, the Olowo of Owo and Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, advocated for the constitutional recognition of monarchs and their inclusion in policymaking processes, noting that they remain the closest authorities to the grassroots.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Nigerian League of Women Voters, Mrs. Titilayo Owolabi, submitted a petition with 33,000 signatures, demanding greater inclusion of women in governance and political participation.

The South-West Centre B Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, the Ondo State capital.