By Lawal A. Jamiu

THE legislative institution in any democracy has a major role in the delivery of democratic dividends to the constituents, using the instrument of legislation, appropriation and oversight as well as other quasi-judicial functions for the betterment of the society. In Ogun State, the 10th Assembly which quietly marked its third anniversary recently, has continued to discharge its responsibilities with a high level of decorum, collaboration, resilience, steadfastness, responsiveness and most importantly with high regards for transparency and continuous constituent engagements. Whether it is assessed by the standard of its plenaries, the quality of bills passed, the essence of motions debated, the impact of the resolutions adopted or the transparency of its oversights, the current legislative session in the State has not only lived up to the expectations of its constituents but has also facilitated people-oriented projects to complement the socio-economic development of the various constituencies in the State.

The above reflects the context in which the story of the 10th Ogun State House of Assembly operates since its inauguration in June 2023. This is because it has not only evolved, it remains a virile institution defined not by political grandstanding, but by the quiet and often demanding work of lawmaking, oversight, quality representation and collaboration. The session, which commenced under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo in June, 2023 and was later nurtured by the Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide’s leadership, who took over in late January, 2024, has functioned within a political environment marked by a more cordial relationship with the Executive arm of Government led by Governor Dapo Abiodun. The relationship between both arms of government has created an atmosphere that allows robust policy proposals, development-driven budgetary frameworks and people-oriented initiatives that always give the deserved and prompt consideration without undermining the Legislature’s constitutional responsibilities. The result of this is not a legislature that merely endorses executive proposals, but the one that combines cooperation with scrutiny through committee engagements, policy reviews, budget examinations and oversight activities.

This approach is reflected in the annual budget process, where the state lawmakers played a crucial role in the consideration and processing of the various budget proposals, whether it was that of “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development”, passed in 2024 or the 2025 “Budget of Hope and Prosperity”, or that of the current year’s  “Budget of Sustainable Legacy”. The process is always extended well beyond the passage of appropriation bills. The lawmakers always participate in fiscal policy engagements, and examine expenditure projections through retreats that afford them to have physical and intellectual engagements with the state economic team. Subsequently, the Assembly does subject Ministries, Departments and Agencies to detailed budget defence sessions and subsequently monitor implementation through oversight to ensure that funds appropriated translates into tangible benefits for the citizenry.

Speaking recently on the third anniversary of the 10th Legislature, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elemide expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Naimot Salako- Oyedele, members of the Executive Council, his co-lawmakers, the management and staff of the Assembly for their support and continued collaboration in giving the best to the people of the State. He explained that the Assembly had witnessed significant infrastructural transformation, including the upgrade and redesigning of the Assembly Chamber and the entire Complex into an ultra-modern facility, refurbishment of members’ offices, staff offices on the ground floor, sinking of a borehole and recruitment of additional members of staff. Rt. Hon. Elemide also noted that the harmonious relationship between the Legislature and the Executive led to the unprecedented approval of ₦150m constituency project funds in the previous year, meant to facilitate infrastructural projects by the State lawmakers to their various constituencies, to complement the State government’s efforts in the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

Across communities, these interventions contributed to improvements in access to potable water, educational infrastructure, healthcare facilities, rural electrification and local economic activities. He disclosed that within the last three years, the 10th Legislature in the State had passed various bills including the Scavengers and Waste Dealers Law, the Principals General Establishment Law, and the Obas and Chiefs Law., while more than 70 resolutions had equally been passed to address various issues affecting constituents across the State. Of note was the approval by the Assembly leadership for the introduction of quarterly training programme for all categories of staff put in place by the Management led by the Clerk/ Head of Legislative Service, Mr.  Sakiru Adebakin to further equip the Assembly workforce in the discharge of their duty. The Speaker also reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to quarterly oversight, adding that optimal performance could only be achieved with full legislative autonomy, reaffirming that there was a very cordial relationship between the Legislature and Executive arm of government.

He also disclosed that the passage of land grabbing was meant to address cases of land grabbing and related offences. He added that other legislations passed with direct impact on the lives of the people including the State Power Sector Law meant to expand the role of states in the energy sector, the legislation provided a framework for power generation, transmission and distribution within the State. Beyond its legal significance, the law positioned the State to take advantage of new opportunities in energy development, industrial growth and private sector investment.

READ ALSO: Ogun Assembly summons ex-LG boss over alleged sale of govt lands

The Consumer Protection Law was meant to strengthen and safeguard residents against unfair trade practices, counterfeit products and other forms of consumer exploitation. By establishing a more robust framework for consumer rights. While the Principals General Establishment Law provided legal backing for the Office of Principals-General, formalising an important administrative structure within the State’s secondary school system.

Others like: the Magistrates Court Amendment Law sought to improve the administration of justice and enhance the efficiency of the judicial system, while the Local Government Amendment Law introduced reforms aimed at strengthening accountability and financial oversight at the grassroots level. The Obas and Chiefs Law further demonstrated the House’s willingness to engage issues that sit at the intersection of tradition, community interests and modern governance. Just as the passage of the Scavengers and Waste Dealers Law, would help address growing concerns surrounding environmental management, public safety and the activities of unregulated operators. It established a more structured framework for waste management-related activities, while responding to concerns raised by communities across the State.

Aside lawmaking, the Assembly has become an important platform for citizen engagement and dispute resolution. Petitions presented before the House have addressed land-related disputes, community grievances and administrative concerns affecting residents in different parts of the State. Through committee engagements and legislative interventions, the Assembly has provided avenues for citizens to seek redress, while helping to draw government attention to issues requiring urgent action. This is part of the Assembly’s commitment in responding to public concerns through resolutions and motions addressing matters of security, community welfare and local administration.

Also, through the Public Accounts Committee and other standing committees, lawmakers reviewed Auditor-General reports, examined the activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies and scrutinised compliance with established financial regulations and administrative procedures. The State lawmakers’ commitment to oversight was evident in the monitoring of budget implementation. Through periodic reviews and project inspections, they tracked the execution of government programmes and assessed whether approved budgets were producing the intended outcomes across critical sectors.

Within the Assembly physical structure, the last three years have witnessed notable institutional transformation. The legislative chamber was redesigned and upgraded, members’ offices and staff workspaces are also being refurbished, additional personnel were recruited and plans were initiated to digitise legislative operations. These improvements were aimed at strengthening the institution’s capacity to deliver on its constitutional responsibilities and respond more effectively to the demands of modern governance.

The Assembly has faced its share of challenges. Issues relating to funding constraints, competing stakeholder interests, duplication of legislative proposals and the quest for greater legislative autonomy have all formed part of its operating environment. Yet these challenges have not diminished its commitment to legislative service or its determination to strengthen governance through lawmaking and oversight.

Conclusively, the story of the 10th Ogun State House of Assembly is that of an institution steadily finding its footing, refining its processes and expanding its relevance within the governance architecture of the State and even the nation. In the last three years, the 10th Assembly has moved beyond the uncertainties, it now has a record shaped by continuity, institutional growth and a deliberate commitment to public service. As the Assembly enters the next phase of its tenure, its enduring test will be how effectively the foundation continues to translate into stronger institution, a more dependable arm of government, better public services to further engender meaningful development for the people of Ogun State.

•Jamiu writes from the Ogun State House of Assembly.