Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called for far-reaching amendments to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, including the creation of state police, the control of mineral resources by states, and the full recognition of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
He spoke at the South-West Centre B Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, held on Friday, at The Dome in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa stressed that any constitutional amendment must reflect the true federal character of the country and respond to its socio-economic realities.
He described the review exercise as “timely and laudable,” applauding President Bola Tinubu for championing democratic reforms and commending the House Committee, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for engaging the people at the grassroots.
“Ondo State aligns with the progressive aspirations of the South-West in advocating true federalism,” Aiyedatiwa said.
“States should control their resources and remit 40 per cent to the centre. The current revenue allocation formula is heavily skewed and must be addressed.”
The governor reiterated his support for state policing, citing the success of the Amotekun Corps in the region as proof that local security structures are better equipped to tackle community-specific threats.
READ ALSO
“The central police system is overstretched and underfunded,” he said.
“States understand their unique security challenges and must be empowered to respond effectively.”
On natural resources, Aiyedatiwa demanded that control over minerals be removed from the Exclusive Legislative List and transferred to either the Concurrent or Residual Lists.
He noted that states like Ondo, which are rich in bitumen, kaolin, granite, and marble, face bureaucratic bottlenecks under federal regulation while illegal mining thrives.
The governor also called for the formal recognition of the 33 LCDAs in the state as full-fledged local government areas in the First Schedule of the Constitution, in line with similar efforts in Lagos State.
While expressing openness to state creation, Aiyedatiwa rejected any proposal that could alter the state’s current boundaries or cede parts of it to form a new state.
“We are not opposed to the creation of new states, but we will not surrender any part of our territory,” he declared.
Delegates and stakeholders from Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun States submitted memoranda during the hearing, with various proposals aimed at promoting inclusivity and correcting long-standing imbalances in governance.
Representing Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Dayo Apata advocated increased representation for women and people with disabilities, legal recognition of traditional rulers, and curbs on the free movement of herders.
Osun State Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, speaking on behalf of Governor Ademola Adeleke, called for the reduction of campaign costs and the high cost of governance, warning that excessive spending fuels electoral malpractice.
The Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, urged the constitutional recognition of traditional rulers and their inclusion in policy development.
Mrs Titilayo Owolabi, Chairperson of the Nigerian League of Women Voters, submitted a petition backed by 33,000 signatures demanding greater inclusion of women in governance and political leadership.
The House Committee on Constitution Review is expected to collate all inputs from the hearing as part of ongoing efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework.
