Ooni, Deji, Other South-West Traditional Rulers Advocate for Passage of Special Seats Bill

Prominent traditional rulers from Nigeria’s South-west geopolitical zone have thrown their weight behind the Special Seats Bill, urging lawmakers to ensure its passage into law.

The call was made on Friday in Abuja during a meeting organised by the National Institute for Democratic and Legislative Studies (NILDS).

Leading the delegation was the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, who, alongside the Deji of Akure and other South-west monarchs, emphasised the importance of the bill in promoting gender inclusivity in governance.

The Special Seats Bill seeks to create additional constitutionally-backed seats for women in both federal and state legislative assemblies.

“The Special Seats Bill is a critical instrument to address the persistent gender imbalance in our political institutions,” Oba Ogunwusi said. “Women deserve meaningful representation in the legislative process, and this bill provides a framework to achieve that.”

Analysts and civil society advocates have long highlighted the underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political landscape. According to recent data, women occupy less than 10 percent of seats in the National Assembly and similar percentages at state legislatures, a gap the bill aims to close.

The NILDS-organised parley brought together traditional rulers, policymakers, and gender rights advocates to discuss strategies for garnering broad legislative support for the bill.

The monarchs pledged to use their influence to rally public and political backing for the measure.

If enacted, the Special Seats Bill would mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s push toward more inclusive governance, giving women a stronger voice in policy-making and legislative decision-making.