Lagos Assembly Marks World Parliamentary Day, Summons Attorney-General over Controversial Executive Order

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday commemorated World Parliamentary Day with a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to democratic governance, while simultaneously taking a firm stance on a controversial Executive Order issued by the state government.

World Parliamentary Day, observed annually on June 30, celebrates the establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 1989. This year’s observance at the Assembly highlighted the vital role of parliaments in strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and upholding the rule of law.

Leading the motion, Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, emphasized the need for transparent and inclusive democratic structures as tools to combat global challenges such as inequality, polarization, and democratic backsliding. “To rebuild public trust, there must be increased civic education and deeper engagement in the legislative process,” Kasunmu noted.

Several lawmakers joined in the discourse. Hon. Oladipo Ajomale urged the institutionalization of World Parliamentary Day within the Assembly’s calendar to raise awareness. Hon. Desmond Elliott paid tribute to Nigeria’s past legislators and called for stronger regional collaboration among state assemblies to deepen legislative performance.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, described the parliament as the “backbone of democracy” and called for greater public enlightenment on the functions of the legislature. “The people must understand that the legislature is not just about passing laws—it is about safeguarding the democratic process,” Obasa said.

The lawmakers collectively acknowledged the evolving role of parliaments and congratulated Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, and Speaker Obasa himself for their contributions to democratic governance in Nigeria.

In a related development, the Assembly issued summons to the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro SAN; Solicitor-General Mr. Ahmed Oyenuga; Commissioner for Local Government, Mr. Bolaji Roberts; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Director of Litigation. They are expected to appear before the House to clarify issues surrounding a recent Executive Order.

The order, as detailed in a letter from the Solicitor-General and read at plenary, relates to the “Commencement Order” for the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law, 2025. It seeks to delay the law’s effective date to August 4, 2025—despite the Governor’s assent in May.

Lawmakers raised alarm over the development. Chairman of the Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Babatunde, described the order as “delicate and sensitive,” warning it could undermine the sanctity of the law.

Hon. Ajomale, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, expressed surprise at the reversal, stating that the law had already taken effect upon the Governor’s assent. Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh insisted that no Executive Order could override an assented law.

Speaker Obasa noted that the matter presented an opportunity to test the integrity of the lawmaking process. “Once a law is assented to by the Governor, it becomes binding. Any challenge to it must follow due legislative or judicial procedures,” he said.

In another development, the Assembly received a letter from Otto-Awori Local Council Development Area regarding the succession of Hon. Abdulkareem Azeez Abiodun as substantive Executive Chairman, following the death of the former Chairman, Prince Musibau Ashafa.

The letter requested the Assembly’s intervention to ensure a lawful transition, citing discrepancies in the designation of the Vice Chairman as “Acting Chairman” rather than confirming him as the substantive Chairman as provided by law.

Speaker Obasa directed the Clerk, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to write to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and invite the Council Manager and legal officers from Otto-Awori LCDA to appear before the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The Assembly pledged to uphold the rule of law and ensure smooth governance transitions at all levels, reinforcing its watchdog role in the state’s democratic architecture.