The bills undergoing amendment include the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (Amendment No 1) Bill, 2024, and the Osun State Local Government Areas (Creation and Administration) (Harmonised) Bill, 2024.
Following the Supreme Court's recent ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria, the Osun State House of Assembly has initiated the process of revising its relevant laws.
The bills undergoing amendment include the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (Amendment No 1) Bill, 2024, and the Osun State Local Government Areas (Creation and Administration) (Harmonised) Bill, 2024.
The state House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Adewale Egbedun noted that it is important for the state lawmakers make necessary amendments.
He said: “I trust that each one of us is well-informed about the recent landmark ruling delivered by the Supreme Court, which has authorised financial independence for the 774 local governments across Nigeria.
“This significant judgement has brought about the nullification of certain existing laws that were in place.”
He called on lawmakers to begin the process of revising the Osun State Local Government Areas (Creation and Administration) Laws and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Law in a timely manner.
“To facilitate this crucial process, I am proposing two new bills for consideration: (i) Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (Amendment No 1) Bill, 2024 and Osun State Local Government Areas (Creation and Administration) (Harmonised) Bill, 2024.”
The Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of financial autonomy for local governments, prompting several states to review and adjust their administrative systems. Meanwhile, Osun state has scheduled its local government elections for February 25, 2025.