Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called for far-reaching constitutional reforms that reflect the realities and aspirations of Nigerians, particularly through the adoption of true federalism and a restructured revenue-sharing model.

Speaking at the South-West Centre B Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), held Friday, July 18, 2025, in Akure, the Governor described the review process as “timely and laudable,” urging lawmakers to seize the opportunity to make the Constitution more responsive to Nigeria’s evolving challenges.

Aiyedatiwa outlined key constitutional changes backed by Ondo State, including fiscal federalism, state policing, control of mineral resources, and the full recognition of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as local government areas.

“Ondo State aligns with the progressive aspirations of the South-West in advocating for true federalism that reflects the socio-political, cultural and economic realities of the federating units,” he said. “States should have full control over their resources and remit about 40% to the Federal Government. The current revenue allocation is skewed in favour of the centre, and that must be corrected.”

On security, the Governor backed the creation of state police, citing the limitations of a centralised policing system. He pointed to the success of the South-West’s Amotekun Corps as evidence that state-led security outfits can be more effective.

He also called for natural resources—especially minerals—to be moved from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent or Residual List, to allow states to fully benefit from their natural wealth. He cited Ondo State’s underutilised resources, such as limestone, granite, bitumen, kaolin, and marble, and blamed bureaucratic hurdles and illegal mining on weak federal control.

Aiyedatiwa further demanded that the 33 LCDAs created in Ondo State be officially recognised in the Constitution, similar to proposals made for Lagos State. While expressing support for the creation of new states, he firmly opposed any move to alter Ondo’s current territorial boundaries to make up a new state.

He reaffirmed the state’s willingness to work with the National Assembly and stakeholders to produce a Constitution that promotes a fairer, stronger, and more inclusive Nigeria.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who chaired the public hearing, received memoranda from a wide range of stakeholders including labour unions, civil society organisations, religious bodies, professional groups, traditional rulers, and women’s associations from Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun States.

Representing Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, advocated for gender and disability inclusion, recognition of traditional rulers, and control over the movement of herders and livestock.

Osun State Deputy Governor, Mr. Kola Adewusi, who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke, called for a reduction in the cost of governance and political campaigns, warning that unregulated spending could promote electoral malpractice.

The Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, urged the inclusion of monarchs in constitutional governance structures, saying they remain the closest authorities to the grassroots.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Nigerian League of Women Voters, Mrs. Titilayo Owolabi, presented a petition signed by 33,000 Nigerians demanding greater representation of women in governance and political decision-making.