29/10/2025
ONDO ASSEMBLY PASSES THREE BILLS ON AUDIT REFORM, WATERWAYS AGENCY, ANTI-KIDNAPPING INTO LAW.
The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed three bills into law after scaling through the third reading at a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji.
It would be recalled that a few weeks ago, the bills were committed to the committee stages and subsequently subjected to public hearings to ensure stakeholders’ input.
The bills passed include: a bill for a law to amend the Ondo State Public Audit Amendment Law, 2021; a bill for a law to establish the Ondo State Coastal and Waterways Management Agency and for other matters connected therewith, 2025; and a bill for a law to provide for the prohibition of kidnapping and abduction and for connected purposes.
Submitting the report on the Public Audit Amendment Law, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, explained that the proposed amendment would further strengthen the offices of the Auditors-General to discharge their duties more effectively and efficiently.
According to him, the amendment contained essential features designed to ensure a reasonable level of independence in the operations of both offices of the Auditors-General in the state.
Speaking after the passage of the bill, the Speaker expressed confidence that the law would strengthen the state’s public finance system and promote best practices in governance.
Also presenting the report on the bill to establish the Ondo State Coastal and Waterways Management Agency, the Chairman House Committee on OSOPADEC and the sponsor of the private member’s bill, Oluwatoyin Allen said the legislation would be of immense benefit to the state as a coastal region.
He noted that the law would encourage investors to develop water-related businesses, regulate illegal activities, and check excesses on the state’s waterways.
The bill, he added, would also boost the state’s internally generated revenue, enhance infrastructural development in water transportation, and create employment opportunities.
In his remarks, the Speaker appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for supporting the bill at its preparatory stage. He commended the lawmakers for the successful passage of yet another private member’s bill, saying it would go a long way in promoting the development of the state’s coastal areas.
Presenting the report on the bill to prohibit kidnapping and abduction, the Chairman of the House Committee on Security, Ifabiyi Olatunji, highlighted key recommendations, including amendments to various sections prescribing penalties. These include ten (10) years’ imprisonment for certain offences, twenty-five (25) years for property owners who permit their premises to be used by kidnappers, and seven (7) years for other related offences.
The Speaker noted that the amendment of the kidnapping law would further strengthen the legal framework to deter criminal elements and enhance the security of lives and property in the state.
Earlier, following voice votes by members, the Leader of the House, Chief Olatunji Oshati, moved motions for the bills to be read the third time and passed into law. The motions were seconded by Afe Felix, Sulaiman Murtala, and Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, respectively.