The Ooni of Ife, His Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has declared his full support for the Special Seats Bill, aimed at increasing women’s representation in Nigeria’s National and State Houses of Assembly.
The monarch made the declaration during a high-level advocacy visit on him led by UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, at his Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun state.
The Ooni described the bill as “a bill that will transform our nation by giving voice and opportunity to women who have long been overlooked.”
He also emphasised the critical role of women in nation-building and the urgency of the bill, stating that it will “turn around our nation and bring great honour and prosperity.”
The monarch further assured his full commitment to the cause, saying, “I am fully committed—call me in rain, in sunshine, even while I am asleep.”
The bill seeks to amend the Nigerian Constitution to create additional legislative seats specifically reserved for women at the National and State Houses of Assembly.
The bill aimed to address the historic underrepresentation of women in politics and foster inclusive, equitable governance that reflects the diversity of Nigeria’s population.
‘The bill proposed to guarantee women a minimum number of seats in the National Assembly (74 seats) and State Houses of Assembly (108 seats).
Earlier, UN Women Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong highlighted the importance of the bill, noting that it has received wide support from citizens and has been endorsed in town halls convened in all the Senatorial Districts in 36 states across the Federation.T
he delegation included notable voices for women’s rights and political inclusion, such as Joke Silva, Ebere Ifendu, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, and Hansatu Adegbite, who made a passionate and unified appeal for the Ooni to endorse the bill.
