The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, along with his Ekiti and Osun State counterparts, Biodun Oyebanji and Ademola Adeleke, on Friday called for the adoption of true federalism and a restructured revenue-sharing formula.
According to the governors, who also advocated for the creation of a state police, any meaningful constitutional amendment must reflect the values, aspirations, and socio-economic realities of the people.
The trio expressed this position during the South-West Centre B Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), held in Akure, Ondo State capital.
While describing the review as a “timely and laudable endeavour,” Aiyedatiwa stressed the need to revitalise the Constitution so it can better respond to Nigeria’s evolving challenges.
He highlighted key areas where Ondo State supports urgent constitutional amendments, including fiscal federalism, state policing, control of mineral resources, and the recognition of 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.
“States should have full control over their resources and remit about 40 per cent to the Federal Government. The current revenue allocation is skewed in favour of the centre, and that must be corrected.”
On security, Aiyedatiwa called for the establishment of a state police, noting that the centralised policing system is no longer effective in addressing Nigeria’s complex internal security challenges.
He also proposed that control over natural resources, especially minerals, should be moved from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent or Residual Legislative List to allow states to fully utilise their mineral resources.
Aiyedatiwa praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to democratic reforms and commended the House Committee, led by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for bringing the constitution review exercise closer to the people.
In his remarks, Ekiti State Governor 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 unrestricted movement of herders and livestock across the nation.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Kola Adewusi, urged for a reduction in the high costs of governance and political campaigns, warning that unregulated campaign spending could result in desperation and electoral misconduct.
Representing traditional rulers, the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, advocated for the constitutional recognition of monarchs and their involvement in policymaking, emphasising 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 signed by 33,000 individuals, calling for greater inclusion of women in governance and political participation.
The House of Representatives Committee received a wide array of memoranda from key stakeholders during the public hearing.
Representatives from labour unions, professional associations, religious groups, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and women’s groups from Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun States presented proposals aimed at addressing longstanding inequalities and strengthening democratic practices.
Chairman of the House Committee for South-West Centre B, Hon. James Faleke, assured that all position papers and public contributions would be carefully considered in accordance with the wishes of Nigerians.
