JUST IN: RT. HON. IYABO ADEFULIRE LEADS ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL'S LANDMARK PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED BY-LAWS

RT. HON. IYABO ADEFULIRE LEADS ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL'S LANDMARK PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED BY-LAWS

The Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Legislative Council has successfully conducted a landmark Public Hearing on a series of proposed by-laws aimed at strengthening local governance, improving public service delivery, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability in the management of internally generated revenue (IGR).

The public hearing, led by the Leader of the Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Iyabo Adefulire, was held in both major communities within the local government. The Ile-Oluji session took place at the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Hall, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Secretariat, while the Okeigbo session was held at the Palace Hall, Okeigbo.

The Executive Chairman of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government, Hon. Adebare Adeboye, was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Hon. Samson Agboola, who reaffirmed the administration's commitment to inclusive governance and policies that promote sustainable development.

Addressing participants, the lawmakers explained that the proposed by-laws are intended to reform public administration, improve transparency in governance, ensure the prudent use of public funds, and update existing local laws to reflect present-day realities and the evolving needs of residents.

Among the proposed by-laws presented at the public hearing were those relating to the Administration of Land in Rural Areas, Revenue Generation, the Control and Regulation of Domestic Animals of Various Species in Residential and Corporate Premises, Maintenance of Public Order, the Naming of Streets, as well as other important legislative measures designed to enhance development, public safety, environmental sanitation, and orderly administration within the local government.

The Legislative Council clarified that the proposed by-laws will not abolish or interfere with existing state or federal taxes, emphasizing that the review is strictly within the constitutional responsibilities of the local government. Rather, the proposed legislation seeks to modernize long-standing local laws and introduce tax incentives where appropriate to encourage voluntary compliance and support economic activities.

Chairman of the House Committee on Bills and Appropriation and Councillor representing Ward I, Hon. Ch. Akinbusola Akinfolarin (Florida), disclosed that the proposed by-laws have already passed their First and Second Readings before the Legislative Council. He assured residents that every recommendation, observation, and contribution made during the public hearing would be carefully reviewed and, where necessary, incorporated before the bills are considered for final passage.

He emphasized that the public hearing was an essential part of the legislative process, noting that no proposed by-law would be enacted without giving stakeholders the opportunity to contribute. According to him, the laws are people-centred, designed to protect the interests of residents, and require the collective voice of the people before becoming enforceable.

The lawmakers further assured the public that the Legislative Council remains committed to enacting laws that will promote development without imposing unnecessary hardship on residents, stressing that every legislative decision is guided by the collective interest and welfare of the people.

Members of the public also responded during the interactive session, where they commended the Legislative Council for providing an opportunity for citizens to participate in the lawmaking process. While making their contributions, they appealed to the lawmakers and the Executive arm of the local government to ensure that the proposed by-laws remain people-friendly, fair, and considerate of the prevailing economic realities, urging that the implementation of the laws should not place undue hardship on residents but rather encourage compliance and support local development.

In their response, the lawmakers expressed appreciation to residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, and all participants for honouring their invitation and contributing meaningfully to the public hearing. They described the impressive turnout and constructive feedback as a demonstration of the people's commitment to good governance, assuring everyone that the views and recommendations received would be carefully considered before the proposed by-laws are presented for final passage.

The event was attended by the Local Government Director of Legal Services, Barr. Eruikubami; Clerk of the Legislative Council, Mr. Ojo Adebayo; Deputy Clerk, Mr. Bello; Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE); the Chief Imam of Ile-Oluji and his counterpart from Okeigbo; APC Zonal Chairman, Hon. Martins Akinniyi; former Council Chairman, Hon. Felix Adeboye and the current ADC Chairman; Ch. (Mrs) Ojuolape Mayowa, the Iyalaje of Okeigbo; Chairman of Okeigbo LCDA, Hon. Fasogbon; Vice Chairman of Ile-Oluji West LCDA, Hon. Ojo James, alongside traditional chiefs, community leaders, Youth representatives, market representatives, political stakeholders, and residents from across the local government.

The public hearing allows the citizens to actively participate in the lawmaking process, reinforcing the Legislative Council's commitment to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance in shaping by-laws that will foster sustainable development across Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government.