The House of Representatives on Wednesday advanced a significant constitutional amendment aimed at strengthening grassroots governance in Ekiti State, as a bill seeking the creation of additional local governments passed Second Reading.
The proposed legislation, titled A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the 1999 Constitution to Create Additional Local Governments in Ekiti State (HB.2505), was led in debate by Hon. Akin Rotimi (APC–Ekiti), who represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency I.
He noted that the amendment would give constitutional backing to the existing Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
According to Rotimi, the bill seeks to transform the LCDAs into fully recognised local government areas, operating alongside the existing councils, with the aim of deepening grassroots development and enhancing administrative efficiency.
He explained that the initiative aligns with recommendations submitted by the Ekiti State Government during public hearings conducted by the House Committee on Constitution Review, describing the proposal as a unified step toward expanding local governance structures.
The bill enjoys broad support, as it is co-sponsored by the entire Ekiti State caucus in the House of Representatives: Rt. Hon. Olufemi Bamisile, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, Hon. Akinlayo Davidson, Hon. AVM Rufus Ojuawo (rtd.), and Hon. Sola Fatoba. During plenary, Fatoba seconded the motion, enabling a seamless debate.
After deliberations, the House approved the bill for Second Reading, marking another step in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Hon. Rotimi reiterated the commitment of the Ekiti caucus to ensuring that the creation of additional local governments brings governance closer to the people while expanding development opportunities across the state.
Further updates are expected as the amendment bill progresses to the next legislative stages.
