By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The Ondo State House of Assembly has announced that it has passed eight bills this year, with three additional bills pending for further scrutiny.

The Speaker of the House, Chief Olamide Oladiji, made this announcement today during plenary, stating that the laws have contributed to promoting good governance in the State.

The bills passed so far include the Year 2024 Appropriation Law, 2024 OSOPADEC Appropriation Law, 2024 ODIRS Appropriation Law, a bill to amend the Ondo State High Court Law 2006, a bill to amend the Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission Law 2021, a bill to amend the 2024 Appropriation Law, a bill to establish the Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, and a bill for the proposed Year 2024 Budget for the Eighteen Local Government Areas of Ondo State. The Speaker noted that the latter was the first of its kind to be passed by any Assembly.

Oladiji further disclosed that, aside from the bills passed, some bills have been forwarded to various Committees for legislative scrutiny.

The pending bills include a bill to prohibit forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, violent and fraudulent conduct related to landed properties in Ondo State, a bill to establish a Board for the Management of Secondary Schools in Ondo State, and a bill to amend the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences Law 2015.

The Speaker reassured the people of the State of the House’s unwavering commitment to the programmes and policies of the current Administration.

He appealed to all political actors and residents to act with caution throughout the ongoing electioneering campaign, during and after the election.

He added that, with the upcoming Governorship election, it is essential for all Honourable Members to visit their constituencies to campaign and educate their constituents on the importance of exercising their franchise.

He therefore encouraged lawmakers to continue dedicating time to House business when necessary during this election period and to keep in mind the importance of the budget presentation in December 2024 and the subsequent passage of the Year 2025 Appropriation Bill into Law.

The Speaker declared a six-week recess starting today, Tuesday, 5th November 2024, to resume on 17th December 2024.

He expressed gratitude to Honourable Members, the Clerk of the House, Jaiyeola Benjamin, and his team, along with other stakeholders, for their cooperation and support at all times.