Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa Calls For True Federalism And Resource Control.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called for sweeping constitutional reforms to advance true federalism, state policing, and resource control in Nigeria. Speaking at the South-West Zonal Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held on Friday, 18 July 2025, at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, Aiyedatiwa stressed that any meaningful constitutional amendment must reflect the aspirations, values, and socio-economic realities of Nigerians.
The governor advocated a restructured revenue-sharing formula, proposing that states retain full control over their resources while remitting 40% to the federal government. He argued that the current system, heavily skewed in favour of the central government, stifles state development. “Ondo State aligns with the progressive aspirations of the South-West in pushing for a federal system that mirrors the political, economic, and cultural realities of the federating units,” Aiyedatiwa declared, highlighting the need for fiscal federalism to address regional disparities.
Aiyedatiwa also made a compelling case for state policing, citing the success of the Amotekun Corps in tackling insecurity across the South-West. He noted that the centralised police system is “overwhelmed and underfunded,” leaving states better positioned to address local security challenges. “The Amotekun Corps has shown that states, being closer to the people, understand and can tackle their security needs more effectively,” he said, urging the removal of policing from the Exclusive Legislative List.
On resource control, the governor pointed to Ondo State’s wealth of mineral resources, including bitumen, granite, kaolin, limestone, and marble. He decried bureaucratic bottlenecks and weak federal oversight that have fuelled illegal mining, hampering local development. Aiyedatiwa proposed shifting minerals to the Concurrent or Residual Legislative List, enabling states to manage their resources and drive economic growth.
The governor further demanded constitutional recognition for the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created in Ondo State, aligning with proposals to grant similar status to LCDAs in Lagos State. While expressing support for the creation of new states, he firmly rejected any moves to alter Ondo’s territorial boundaries or cede its land to other states. “We are committed to preserving the integrity of Ondo State while collaborating with the National Assembly to deliver a fair and inclusive Constitution,” he affirmed.
Aiyedatiwa commended President Bola Tinubu for championing democratic reforms and praised the House Committee, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for bringing the review process closer to the people. Stakeholders from Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun States submitted memoranda at the hearing, addressing issues ranging from gender inclusion to traditional leadership, underscoring the region’s commitment to a reformed federal structure.
The governor’s address signals a bold push for a Nigeria where states wield greater autonomy to harness their potential, ensuring equitable development and enhanced security for all citizens.