Stakeholders Push for Inclusive Reforms at Lagos Constitution Zonal Hearing (photos)
By Christie Doyin
Stakeholders from across the Southwest converged at the Water Crest Hotel, Lagos, for the Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, organised by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review.
Hosted by the Lagos State Government, the hearing formed part of the National Assembly’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework through broad-based citizen engagement.
Senate Majority Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, presided over the plenary session on behalf of Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Constitution Review Committee.
The event witnessed a high-level turnout of traditional rulers from the Southwest, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I; the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, Jilo III; and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III. Their presence underscored the cultural and historical significance of the process and highlighted the critical role of traditional institutions in national development.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who declared the hearing open, in his address, urged participants to be sincere, objective, and focused in their presentations.
He emphasised the need for reforms that promote justice, unity, and sustainable development and called for the creation of additional states from Lagos to reflect its demographic and economic importance.
Among the key attendees was Dr. Oluwatoyin Alabi, a respected entrepreneur, philanthropist, and public affairs analyst, who joined other concerned Nigerians in deliberating on critical areas of reform.
Also present was Distinguished Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, a member of the Constitution Review Committee, who reiterated the Senate’s commitment to ensuring an inclusive and participatory amendment process.
The Lagos hearing was one of several zonal engagements held across the country to gather grassroots input on national issues, including state police, resource control, devolution of powers, local government autonomy, electoral reform, and gender inclusion.
One of the most impactful contributions came from Professor Adeola Faleye of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who passionately advocated for the creation of Igbomina State.
Citing cultural, historical, and administrative justifications, her submission struck a chord with many attendees and was met with resounding applause.
Speaking with journalists, Dr. Alabi commended the Senate Committee for creating a platform that empowers citizens to participate in the nation’s constitutional development. He stressed the urgency of reforms that reflect present-day realities and promote equity, justice, and national integration.
In his closing remarks, Senator Alli assured participants that all memoranda and submissions would be given due consideration. He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s resolve to deliver a reformed constitution that meets the collective aspirations of all Nigerians and strengthens democratic governance.
He also noted that the Lagos session marked a major milestone in the ongoing constitutional review process, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the final outcome would usher in transformative reforms capable of repositioning Nigeria for peace, equity, and long-term progress.
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