From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti

The Seventh Ekiti State House of Assembly said since its inauguration in June 2023, it has passed 24 bills into law, all of which have already received the assent of the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.

The House also said that since its inauguration two years ago, it has passed 63 critical resolutions. 

The Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Babatunde Oke, who disclosed this during a press conference heralding activities of the second anniversary of the Assembly held at its Complex, in Ado-Ekiti, on Tuesday, said the Seventh Assembly has, through prompt passage of the bills and resolutions, provided optimal legislative support for the good governance of the State.

The House Spokesman, who said the two-year anniversary of the legislative body is a celebration of a significant milestone, pointed out that the lawmakers are a “crop of highly cerebral, passionate and indefatigable people” who have competently handled and effectively discharged their legislative duties.

He noted that the Seventh Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye has carried out its legislative responsibilities undisturbed and conducted its legislative assignments independently without undue interference by the Executive arm.

He explained that upon inauguration two years ago, the Assembly, towards ensuring that the dividends of democracy are delivered to the people of the state, worked with the Governor of the state to help him achieve his vision for the development of the state towards the shared prosperity agenda.

“This Assembly has passed 24 Bills into Law, all of which have already received the assent of the Governor, except a few to be assented to at the Special Plenary on Wednesday.

“It must be re-emphasised that all the Bills passed by the Seventh Assembly are predicated on providing legislative fillip to good governance in Ekiti State, and securing the welfare of Ekiti people. 

“Several of the Bills that have been passed by this Assembly are entirely novel to Nigeria, or contain novel provisions that make such laws unique, when compared with similar laws that exist in other states of the country.”

Listing the bills passed into law, Oke said they include, Quality of Care law (2025), Ekiti State Water Resources, Sanitation and Hygiene Sector Law (2025), Ekiti State Local Content, second amendment law (2025), Ekiti State Public Senior Secondary School Board Law (2025), Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission Loans Board [first amendment] law (2025).

He continued, the 2025 Appropriation Law (2024), Ekiti State Statistical (First Amendment) Law, 2025 (2024), 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Law (2024), Ekiti State Property Protection [Anti-Land Grabbing] Second Amendment Law (2024), High Court Law of Ekiti State First Amendment.

Also included are, Ekiti State Regency Amendment, Ekiti State Local Content [First Amendment] Law (2024), Re-Enactment of the Legislative House Powers and Privileges Law (2024), Ekiti State Assets Management Law (2024), Re-enactment of Ekiti State Environmental Protection and Watershed Management Agency Law 2024 and other matter connected therewith (2024).

Others are Ekiti State Regulation Approval Law 2024 (2024), Re-enactment of Ekiti State Environmental Protection and Watershed Management Agency Law 2024 and other matter connected therewith (2024), 2024 Appropriation Law (2023), 2023 Supplementary Appropriation 2 Law (2023), 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Law (2023), Ekiti State Electric Power Sector Law (2023).

The remaining are: Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency 1st Amendment, 2023, Ekiti State Lotteries and Gaming Law(2023) and Ekiti State Sport Commission Law (2023).

Oke also revealed they the House has passed 63 critical resolutions, as well as keeping the Assembly’s records of proceedings at plenary sessions diligently to ensure that no bills or resolutions were abandoned.

Additionally, he said the Assembly took actions in other areas, which include: “Capacity building for lawmakers, training for staff, establishment of new departments, upgrade of units to departments, establishment of staff loans board, approval of Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), among others.

“Upon inauguration two years ago, the Seventh-Assembly was conscious of its role in the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of the State.

“The House crafted and adopted a Legislative Agenda which succinctly reflects the core principles that would serve as its beacon in the discharge of its legislative responsibilities throughout its four-year term.

“The Legislative Agenda, which the House had been operating since its adoption, was publicly presented at the Special Plenary commemorating the first anniversary on Thursday, June 6, 2024.”

Continuing, he said, “It must be noted that this Seventh Assembly is the second Assembly in the history of the Ekiti State House of Assembly to draft and adopt a Legislative Agenda as done by her predecessor, the Sixth Assembly.

“From June 2023 till date, the Seventh-Assembly has provided optimal legislative support for the good governance of Ekiti State through prompt passage of Bills and Resolutions.

“The Assembly adopted an inclusive system of law-making which encouraged relevant stakeholders to participate and submit memoranda detailing their views on proposed legislation. 

“When it was necessary, public hearings were also organised to obtain the opinions of members of the public on certain Bills before they were passed. 

“It should be noted for record purposes that within the last twenty-four months, the House has conducted its legislative assignments independently, without undue interference by the Executive arm.”