The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, has thrown his weight behind the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to reserve legislative seats for women, stressing that the time has come for Nigeria to embrace more female participation in governance.
Represented by the Orunto of Owu Kingdom, Chief Biodun Lasile, the monarch said the Gender Bill is timely, as societal evolution demands inclusive leadership.
“If we go by our evolution, some tribes and religions do not push their women forward for leadership roles. That must change.”
“Women must be more educated because the lack of literacy remains one of the biggest barriers to their political participation,” he said.
This was said at a town hall meeting in Abeokuta organised by the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), themed Advancing Women’s Inclusion and Representation in Leadership and Political Processes in Nigeria.
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who delivered the keynote address, called the constitutional amendment a “shared national responsibility,” and a critical step toward correcting historical imbalance.
“The bill proposes the creation of 74 additional seats in the National Assembly and 108 in State Assemblies exclusively for women.”
“It is not a handout it is a hand up. We must build alliances across party lines, across generations, and work together to create a political system that truly reflects Nigeria’s diversity and talent,” she revealed.
Salako-Oyedele urged participants to spread the message: “Take it to the markets, the media, the campuses, the streets and social media. Everyone must understand what this bill is and why it matters.”
Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, lamented past setbacks for gender-related bills.
“All women-related bills were thrown out during the 9th National Assembly. We can’t allow that to repeat itself. No nation can thrive if it leaves women behind,” she said.
The National President of NILOWV, Hon. Irene Ikyegh, applauded the commitment of Ogun stakeholders to gender equity. “If passed, this bill will not only give women a place at the table but build their confidence and restore integrity to our political processes,” she said.
Chief (Mrs.) Iyabo Apampa, in her goodwill message, emphasized the importance of unity among women.
“Unless women speak with one voice and lift one another, things might remain stagnant. Culture and finance are major barriers, and we must confront them collectively.”
Civil society representatives Mr. Adeshina Adesegun and Mrs. Olatayo Adeifa of Women in Disability echoed their unwavering support for the cause.
“We’ve been partners in this journey and will continue to be. By 2027, we want to see more women in the National and State Assemblies,” Adese gun confirmed.
The President of NILOWV Ogun State Chapter, Mrs. Elizabeth Egbeyemi, described the meeting as “a call to action.”
“Inclusive governance is not just an aspiration; it’s a necessity. Women remain underrepresented in legislative chambers, and the proposed additional seats are critical to changing that,” she stated.
