JUST IN: Oyo Assembly Cancels 3rd Anniversary Celebrations Over Security Concerns

The Oyo State House of Assembly has called off plans to hold elaborate activities for its third anniversary due to growing security concerns in parts of the state.

The decision was announced on Thursday during plenary, with the Assembly citing the worsening security situation in the Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso areas as the major reason for cancelling the celebration.

Rather than proceed with festivities, lawmakers chose to shift focus to governance and ongoing efforts to address security challenges affecting residents.

The 10th Oyo Assembly was inaugurated on June 14, 2023. The anniversary would have marked three years of legislative activities under the current Assembly.

Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, said the decision was taken after careful consideration of recent events in the state. He said the Assembly felt it was important to stand with communities currently facing security threats.

According to him, the period was not suitable for celebrations, especially as many residents in affected areas continue to grapple with safety concerns.

Ogundoyin said the Assembly remains committed to its legislative responsibilities despite the security challenges facing the state.

“Thirty-six bills have been passed into law, covering various sectors of governance and development.

“We passed 276 resolutions, which were transmitted to the executive arm and other relevant government institutions for implementation.

“The resolutions are being monitored through the oversight activities of various committees to ensure compliance and effectiveness,” he said.

The Speaker noted that the House has continued to strengthen governance through oversight and accountability measures.

He disclosed that the Post Legislative Scrutiny Unit carried out reviews into the implementation of key laws in the state, including the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law of 2019 and the Oyo State Security Agency Law of 2020.

According to him, these reviews were necessary to assess how effectively the laws have been implemented and whether they are achieving their intended objectives.

Ogundoyin also highlighted the Assembly’s intervention in tackling insecurity through dialogue and stakeholder engagement.

He pointed to the security summit organised by the legislature as one of its major responses to the persistent security concerns across parts of the state.

“The summit was convened in response to persistent and recurring security challenges affecting parts of the state.

“We conducted nine public hearings on various bills under consideration, providing stakeholders, civil society groups and members of the public opportunities to contribute to the legislative process,” the speaker said.

He further assured residents that the Assembly would continue to work closely with the executive arm and security agencies to respond to emerging threats.

Ogundoyin stressed that the legislature remains focused on lawmaking, effective representation, and policies that will improve security and welfare across the state.

“The Assembly remains focused on delivering democratic dividends and supporting policies that promote peace, security and socio-economic development in Oyo State.

“We have since maintained that our activities are guided by the principles of accountability, transparency and people-oriented governance.

“I assure residents that we would continue to work closely with the executive arm of government and security agencies to address emerging challenges while pursuing legislative initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of citizens,” he said.