By Charles Pemu 
A strong wave of civic engagement swept through Lagos last week as stakeholders across the South-West gathered for the Senate Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. The two-day event, held on July 4 and 5 in Ikeja, was organized by the
Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, as part of a national consultation effort.
Representing the Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, the Vice Chairman and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the exercise as a turning point in Nigeria’s quest for a truly people-centered constitution.
“Several critical national issues have remained unresolved despite five previous amendment attempts,” Bamidele noted. “This 10th National Assembly is committed to a different path, one that listens first, acts next, and legislates with the people, not just for them.”
The event brought together a wide cross-section of society traditional rulers, lawmakers, civil society groups, youth organizations, academics, and professional bodies, all aligned in their demand for genuine constitutional reform.
In his welcome address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized the urgency of the reform.
“This public hearing is not just another meeting, it is a significant opportunity for the people of Lagos and the entire South-West to contribute meaningfully to shaping our highest law. The time for change is now.”
Among the key issues raised during the hearing were:
- Establishment of State Police (SB 484) to bolster community security
- Local Government Autonomy (SB 471) to guarantee democratic governance at the grassroots
- Constitutional Role for Traditional Rulers (SB 532)
- Diaspora Voting Rights (SB 255)
- Reserved Legislative Seats for Women (SB 440)
These bills, according to Bamidele, are drawn directly from the people’s concerns and reflect the pressing need to address insecurity, political marginalization, and inefficiencies in governance.
“These are not just legal texts. They’re rooted in the daily experiences of Nigerians,” he added.
Traditional leaders, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, attended in person. Their presence underscored growing calls to formally recognize traditional institutions as key pillars of national cohesion and dispute resolution.
The highlight of the hearing was the firm commitment from the South-West Conference of Speakers, led by Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly. He assured the gathering that state assemblies in the region would not be a stumbling block in passing the constitutional amendments.
“This time, we are aligned. We are committed to reviewing and supporting these bills in the interest of national progress,” Aribasoye declared.
In the past, crucial proposals such as devolution of powers and state policing have been frustrated due to lack of consensus at the state level, despite federal endorsement. The united front now presented by South-West stakeholders may finally signal a breakthrough.
In conclusion, the Lagos public hearing served as a microcosm of the South-West’s constitutional hopes—anchored in equity, security, inclusion, and effective governance. With growing political will and public pressure, this review process could mark the beginning of a long-awaited national rebirth.