The Ekiti State House of Assembly has commenced work on a harmonised set of rules and standing orders for state legislatures, following resolutions reached at the recent Conference of Speakers in Lagos.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Information Services, Olasunkanmi Ekundayo in Ado-Ekiti.
At the plenary on Tuesday, Speaker Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye directed the Committee on Rules and Business, along with two co-opted lawmakers, to begin the process. He stated that the harmonised rules would enhance uniformity in legislative operations while allowing for peculiarities in each state.
Presenting the report from the Conference of Speakers, Majority Leader Hon. Tolu Ige briefed lawmakers on the framework for adopting a unified standing order across the 36 state assemblies.
Crackdown on Quackery in Health Sector
The House also deliberated on the Ekiti Quality of Care Bill 2025, aimed at curbing quackery in the health sector. Lawmakers, including Hon. Babatunde Oke, Abimbola Solanke, Ayodeji Adegbite, and Yomi Ayorinde, stressed the importance of the bill in tackling fake medical practitioners, improper drug prescriptions, and verifying healthcare professionals’ competence.
Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju and former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu called for stricter regulations on illegal private clinics and recommended severe sanctions for offenders.
Governor Oyebanji Applauded for Implementing House Resolutions
The lawmakers commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to implementing the Assembly’s resolutions. This was highlighted by Hon. Tope Longe (Oye Constituency 1), who praised the Governor’s execution of the House’s resolution on Adire Ekiti, discussed on September 24, 2024.
Speaker Aribasoye described the Governor’s actions as a testament to the harmonious relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, pledging the Assembly’s continued support for his administration.
Urgent Matters: Water Scarcity and Fire Incident
Under matters of urgent public importance, Hon. Abiodun Fawekun (Ido/Osi Constituency 1) raised concerns over water scarcity in Ido/Osi Local Government, while Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu (Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency 2) reported a fire outbreak at a primary school in Igbemo Ekiti, caused by a thunderstorm.
The Speaker directed lawmakers from Ilejemeje, Moba, and Ido/Osi to formally request water supply interventions from the Governor and relevant agencies. He also urged the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to address the fire damage at the school.
Bills Passed and Reviewed
The Assembly passed the Ekiti State Water Resources, Sanitation, and Hygiene Sector Bill 2025 into law. Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Employment Trust Fund Bill was referred to the Committees on Health, Human Services, and Investment for further review.
Hon. Alhaja Maryam Ogunlade, Teju Okuyiga, and Femi Fatunla described the Employment Trust Fund Bill as a crucial initiative to boost the economy, enhance youth skill acquisition, and tackle unemployment in the state.