Aribasoye Reaffirms Speakers’ Role in Deepening Democracy

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…as Southwest Speakers Adopt Key Resolutions on Security, Other Reforms

By Ojo Ayodeji

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and Chairman, Southwest Conference of Speakers, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has emphasised the strategic role of Speakers in strengthening democratic governance and amplifying the voices of citizens.

Aribasoye spoke on Thursday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the Southwest Conference of Speakers Legislative Meeting convened to review regional legislative priorities.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Babajide Agbeyo, the Speaker said presiding officers must continue to champion a democratic culture that upholds justice, accountability and inclusiveness.

“As Speakers, we represent the voice of the people. Our duty is to ensure that democracy remains not merely a system, but a living, responsive experience that delivers justice, accountability, and hope,” he said.

Aribasoye described the forum as a platform that reinforces the responsibilities of state parliaments, noting that such duties must be carried out with passion, vision and sacrifice. He commended the conference for fostering regional cooperation through the exchange of ideas and collective action on issues affecting the Southwest.

He added that the meeting was “more than a formal assembly of Speakers,” but a convergence of vision aimed at aligning progressive ideas and improving legislative processes across the region. The Speaker said discussions would focus on governance, security, economic growth and youth inclusion, which require shared wisdom and practical solutions.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting called for the creation of Post-Legislative Scrutiny Units in all Southwest Houses of Assembly. The units will review gaps in the implementation of the Anti-Open Grazing Laws and the Southwest Security Network Laws in line with present realities.

The Speakers commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for what they described as their commitment to good governance and regional development.

Regarding the ongoing constitutional amendment exercise, the communiqué said Southwest assemblies would adopt a common position on key national issues, including electoral reforms, inclusive governance, policing, devolution of powers, fiscal reforms, democratic institutions, human rights and local government autonomy.

The conference also recommended the harmonisation of Standing Orders across Southwest legislatures to enhance efficiency, and announced plans for a Southwest Legislative Summit to be hosted by Oyo State in the first quarter of 2026.

Other recommendations include increased youth engagement in governance, more seats for women in parliament, peaceful resolution of boundary disputes, and improved budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector.