Oyo assembly passes Chiefs Amendment Bill

The Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the Chieftaincy Amendment Bill 2023; an executive bill sponsored by Governor Seyi Makinde.

Makinde sought an amendment to the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Laws of Oyo State through an Executive council letter he forwarded to the State House of Assembly few weeks ago.

The new law gives the governor the discretionary right and sole authority to specify those to wear beaded crowns without consultation with the Council of Obas and Chiefs of the State as was customary.

Earlier, a well attended public hearing was organized by the lawmakers where stakeholders were afforded the opportunity to make contributions on the bill.

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Some stakeholders see the bill as an usurpation of the powers of the traditional councils, while others lauded the government for the initiative.