As the 10th Assembly is almost in its mid-term, we remind federal lawmakers of a pressing issue that requires their attention: restoring Orolu State Constituency as the 27th seat in the Osun State House of Assembly. This constituency was unjustly suppressed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and thereby depriving the people of Orolu Local Government Area of their rightful representation in Osun State. Moreover, this unfortunate situation is tantamount to the violation of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
As a matter of fact; the current composition of Osun State House of Assembly is illegal because Sections 91 and 112 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provided the framework for the composition and structure Osun State House of Assembly that ought not less than 27 members instead of the current 26 members! These sections mandate that “state to have a minimum of times three or four Federal Constituencies in each State”. For clarity purposes, Osun State with nine Federal Constituencies is prescribed by the Constitution to have a minimum of 27 State Constituencies.
It is worth mentioning that Orolu State Constituency was a creation of the INEC as an electoral body but later suppressed! This has resulted in a democratic deficit, leaving the people of Orolu without direct representation in the state legislature.
The rationale for the restoration of the surpressd Orolu State Constituency are:
1. *Ensure equitable representation*: Align with constitutional provisions and ensure fair representation for the people of Orolu.
2. *Promote democratic principles*: Uphold the principles of democracy, inclusivity, and representation.
3. *Foster development*: Enable the people of Orolu to have a voice in the state’s legislative process, potentially leading to increased development and resource allocation.
4. *Constitutional Compliance*: Fulfillment of constitutional provisions towards compliance.
Read more
Therefore, we urge the 10th Assembly to:
1. *Investigate the circumstances*: Probe the suppression of Orolu State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly and determine the basis for its immediate restoration.
2. *Take legislative action*: Pass a bill or resolution to restore Orolu State Constituency as the 27th seat in the Osun State House of Assembly.
3. *Ensure constitutional compliance*: Align the Osun State House of Assembly’s composition with Sections 91 and 112 of the Constitution.
By restoring Orolu State Constituency, the 10th National Assembly can promote democracy, equity, and representation for the people of Orolu Local Government area and Osun State at large.
*(Prince Jide Akinyooye is the Coordinator of Dee Osun Monitors)*
