By Adesakin Adefemi
The Oyo State House of Assembly has cancelled plans for elaborate activities to mark its third anniversary, citing rising security concerns across the state. Lawmakers said the decision reflects solidarity with communities currently grappling with safety threats.
The announcement was made on Thursday during plenary. The Assembly pointed to the deteriorating security situation in the Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso areas as the primary reason for suspending the celebrations.
Instead of festivities, the House resolved to shift focus to governance and ongoing efforts to address the security challenges affecting residents. Lawmakers said the mood in affected communities made large-scale celebrations inappropriate at this time.
Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, said the decision was taken after careful consideration of recent events in the state. He stressed that the Assembly felt it was important to stand with residents facing security threats rather than proceed with fanfare.
Ogundoyin noted that the period was not suitable for celebrations, especially as many residents in affected areas continue to deal with safety concerns. He added that the Assembly remains committed to its legislative responsibilities despite the challenges.
The Speaker highlighted the Assembly’s performance since inauguration. He said thirty-six bills have been passed into law covering various sectors of governance and development, while two hundred and seventy-six resolutions have been transmitted to the executive and other relevant institutions for implementation.
Oversight measures have also been strengthened, according to Ogundoyin. He disclosed that the Post Legislative Scrutiny Unit carried out reviews into the implementation of key laws, including the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law and the Oyo State Security Agency Law, to assess their effectiveness.
The Assembly has also intervened in security matters through dialogue and stakeholder engagement. Ogundoyin pointed to a security summit organised by the legislature as one of its major responses to persistent insecurity across parts of the state.
The tenth Oyo Assembly was inaugurated in June 2023, and the anniversary would have marked three years of legislative activities. Lawmakers said monitoring of resolutions continues through committee oversight to ensure compliance and impact for residents.
