The Osun State House of Assembly has given its approval for the proposed alteration of the Constitution to allow for the creation of state police. This decision was made during a plenary session on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, where lawmakers unanimously supported the amendment after thorough deliberations. The Speaker of the Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, initiated the process by reading a letter from the National Assembly. The letter requested State Houses of Assembly across the federation to consider and approve the proposed constitutional amendment.
The Speaker explained that the amendment had been forwarded to the House for its consideration and approval as part of the constitutional amendment processes. This move is part of a broader effort to decentralize policing in Nigeria, with states having more control over their security architecture. The lawmakers representing various constituencies expressed their support for the bill. For instance, Lawrence Adeoti, representing Ife South State Constituency, and Taofeek Olayiwola, representing Ede South State Constituency, voiced their backing for the passage of the bill.
Several lawmakers contributed to the debate, describing the proposed establishment of state police as timely and beneficial for enhancing security across the country. Adewumi Adeyemi, representing Obokun State Constituency, and Jeremiah Awoyeye, representing Ife Central State Constituency, noted that state police would strengthen the security architecture, particularly at the state and local government levels. They argued that the proposed amendment would enable states to provide adequate security personnel and respond more effectively to local security challenges.
The lawmakers maintained that the creation of state police would allow for more localized responses to security issues, which are often better understood by state authorities. This, they believe, would lead to more effective management of security challenges. The Assembly’s Majority Leader, Babajide Kofoworola, representing Ede North State Constituency, moved the motion for the House to support the proposed amendment. The motion was subsequently seconded by Tajudeen Adeyemi, representing Ifelodun State Constituency.
With the approval from the Osun State House of Assembly, the proposed constitutional amendment will now move to the next stage in the legislative process. This involves further considerations and possible approvals from other state assemblies across Nigeria. The National Assembly had requested all 36 state houses of assembly to consider and approve the amendment. The outcome of these deliberations will determine if the proposed amendment can proceed to the presidency for assent.
During the same plenary session, the House also considered another important bill. They dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to review the Osun State Park Management System Bill, 2026. The committee examined proposed amendments and corrections to the bill and adopted them as part of the proposal. This indicates that the assembly is actively engaged in legislative activities aimed at improving governance and security in the state.
The approval of the constitutional amendment for state police creation by the Osun State House of Assembly reflects a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s security framework. The creation of state police is expected to bring policing closer to the people, allowing for more tailored and effective security measures. Key stakeholders will be watching closely as this proposal progresses through the legislative process.
Key points
- The Osun State House of Assembly has approved the proposed constitutional amendment for the creation of state police.
- The approval aims to enhance security across Nigeria by allowing states to establish their own police forces.
- The proposed amendment will now proceed to the next stage, requiring considerations and approvals from other state assemblies.
