The Ogun State House of Assembly on Tuesday hosted former Speakers and past members at a special plenary session held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.
The special sitting, held at the Assembly Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, brought together former Speakers, serving lawmakers and ex legislators who used the occasion to congratulate Governor Dapo Abiodun and the people of the state on the golden jubilee celebration.
Speaking at the plenary, former Speakers of the House, including Rt. Hon. Suraju Ishola Adekunbi, Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni, Rt. Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo and Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, described the 50 year milestone as a reflection of sustained good governance, democratic stability and steady infrastructural development.
They noted that Ogun State had recorded remarkable progress in industrial growth, education, revenue generation and overall economic performance, adding that the state had continued to stand out among its contemporaries in the country.
The former Speakers commended both past and present legislators for preserving democratic values and legislative stability through cooperation and mutual understanding, which they said had contributed significantly to development across the state.
They also acknowledged the roles played by heroes past, including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief M.K.O. Abiola, as well as past governors, legislators, civil servants and other statesmen in laying the foundation for the state’s growth.
According to them, the achievements of Ogun indigenes in education, arts and entertainment, innovation, politics and business further underscored the resilience and strength of the state over the last five decades.
Former lawmakers who attended the session, including Hon. Dipo Akingbade, former Majority Leader, Chief Bode Adeaga, Olufemi Allen Taylor, Mrs. Olakemi Juliana Akintayo and Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the state during their respective tenures.
They congratulated the government and people of Ogun State on the anniversary, noting that the state had witnessed significant population growth, economic expansion and infrastructural development since its creation.
The former legislators praised the Speaker for inviting them to the special plenary and commended Governor Abiodun for upgrading the Assembly Complex to a modern legislative facility.
They also called for full financial autonomy for the legislative arm, stressing the need for continuity through multiple terms for lawmakers to enable them gain experience and improve quality representation. They further advocated the creation of additional constituencies to reflect the growing population of the state.
In their remarks, serving members of the Assembly, including the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sherif, Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye, and Honourables Adebisi Oyedele, Damilola Soneye, Samsideen Lawal and Wahab Haruna, thanked God, the Governor and their constituents for the privilege to serve.
They congratulated Governor Abiodun, the Speaker and the people of the state, describing the Governor’s achievements in road construction, renovation of public facilities, the Gateway International Airport project and the upgrade of the Assembly Complex as legacy projects worthy of commendation.
The lawmakers also called for increased infrastructural development across the state and full financial autonomy for the legislature.
Responding, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, commended Governor Abiodun for the cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms, which he said had contributed to the progress recorded in the last seven years.
He specifically praised the Governor for approving and facilitating the renovation, redesign and upgrade of the Assembly Complex, describing the intervention as critical to enhancing legislative efficiency and institutional capacity.
The Speaker further disclosed that the Governor had approved the facilitation of constituency projects to the tune of N150 million for each of the 26 state constituencies, while reiterating the need for improved legislative autonomy to strengthen democratic governance and effective service delivery in Ogun State.
