Ooni of Ife Backs Special Seats Bill, Urges Nationwide Support for Women’s Political Inclusion

Ile- Ife, Nigeria–The Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has publicly endorsed the Special Seats Bill currently before the National Assembly, describing it as a transformative step toward equitable governance and national development.

The monarch pledged his full moral and cultural support to the initiative, which seeks to enhance women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislative institutions. He made the declaration during a high-level advocacy visit by the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), led by its National President, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, as part of the ongoing #HerSeatInParliament campaign.

The visit, aimed at galvanizing traditional and institutional backing for the bill, included a delegation of prominent advocates such as Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative; actress and activist Joke Silva; UN Women National Consultant Hansatu Adegbite; and Ebere Ifendu of Women in Politics.

Addressing the delegation, the Ooni emphasized that inclusive governance is essential for national stability and progress. He called on stakeholders across the country to unite behind the bill to correct longstanding gender imbalances in political representation.

In her remarks, Awunah-Ikyegh underscored the urgency of the bill, noting that Nigerian women currently occupy less than 5% of legislative seats. She stressed that the proposed legislation represents a vital opportunity to institutionalize women’s participation in national decision-making processes.

The Special Seats Bill (HB 1349), reintroduced following the unsuccessful attempt in 2022, proposes the creation of temporary reserved seats—74 at the federal level and 108 across state legislatures—for women. The bill, championed by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, is backed by civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and the United Nations.

The proposed legislation also includes a 16-year sunset clause for review, ensuring it remains adaptable while serving as a catalyst for inclusive democracy and broader political reforms.

The delegation called on lawmakers, civil society actors, media professionals, and citizens to actively support the passage of the bill and help reshape Nigeria’s democratic landscape for greater gender equity.

By Taiwo Olatinwo/ July 30,2025