Osun Legislature is not rubber stamp — Deputy Speaker insists
The Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Akinyode Oyewusi, has dismissed claims that the legislature in the state operates as a rubber stamp of the executive.
Oyewusi also said the legislature remains a critical institution in shaping Nigeria’s democracy.
The Deputy Speaker made the remarks while speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Osun State Council Guest Platform themed “The Role of Legislature in Shaping Democracy in Nigeria”, on Wednesday in Osogbo.
Represented by his media aide, Segun Amure, he accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, of undermining the independence of local councils in the state.
Addressing the issue of local government autonomy, the Deputy Speaker said “the administration of Olagunsoye Oyinlola allowed local governments to operate freely”, but alleged that “autonomy was eroded under the leadership of Rauf Aregbesola through the introduction of the Joint Accounts Committee (JAC).”
According to him, “the centralisation of local government administration through JAC effectively weakened grassroots governance, adding that no state in Nigeria is currently practicing full local government autonomy.”
On the implications of local government autonomy, Oyewusi warned that “officials allegedly involved in withholding local government funds would face sanctions, stressing that such actions undermine governance at the grassroots level.”
The Deputy Speaker rejected claims that the Assembly merely endorses executive decisions, insisting that the House has carried out significant interventions across the state.
He listed the Assembly’s involvement in issues such as “the University of Ilesa (UNILESA), workers’ audit, and oversight duties, as well as intervention in the Akinlalu killings and subsequent visits to victims alongside the executive arm of government.”
Oyewusi also highlighted infrastructure efforts, including the rehabilitation of the Akinlalu road abandoned since 1976, work on the Ile-Ife bridge, and the Ora Igbomina mini water works project.
He disclosed that the Assembly was planning a public engagement initiative aimed at bringing parliamentary activities closer to the people in order to enhance transparency and participation.
On oversight in the health sector, Oyewusi said the administration of Ademola Adeleke had improved primary healthcare centres across the state, noting that many facilities were previously neglected.
He, however, alleged that funds withheld by some local government officials had negatively impacted healthcare delivery, particularly at the primary level.
Speaking on the role of lawmakers in promoting peace, the Deputy Speaker said legislators must remain at the forefront of fostering peaceful coexistence in society.
He cited communal issues between Asipa and Ipetumodu, as well as a kingship dispute in Edunabon, stressing that traditional rulers play a key role in maintaining peace within their domains.
Oyewusi also emphasised the importance of peaceful conduct during elections, urging political parties and their supporters to avoid violence and embrace unity before, during and after electoral processes.
He maintained that “effective lawmaking, oversight and appropriation functions remain essential to democratic development. Nigeria’s democracy would improve when the Independent National Electoral Commission is truly independent.”
In his remarks, the Osun NUJ Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, called for an Electoral Act that would strengthen democracy.
Aboderin stated that the country was yet to achieve a fully workable electoral framework, adding that while democracy begins with the legislature, the executive arm has often reduced its powers.
He expressed optimism that lawmakers would continue to improve their performance in the interest of democratic governance.