Oyo Assembly Rejects Rubber Stamp Label, Backs Financial Autonomy for State Assemblies
The Oyo State House of Assembly has dismissed claims that it operates as a rubber stamp for the executive arm of government, insisting that greater financial independence would significantly enhance its oversight responsibilities.
Speaking with journalists, the Assembly’s Chief Whip, Honorable Gbenga Oyekola, refuted public perceptions that lawmakers have been pocketed by the executive.
However, he acknowledged that the absence of full financial autonomy poses a challenge to effective legislative oversight.
According to Oyekola, oversight becomes difficult when the legislature must rely on the very institution it is meant to scrutinize for resources.
He emphasized that this structural limitation often fuels the narrative that the Assembly is compromised.
Drawing a comparison with the judiciary, which now enjoys financial autonomy, Oyekola argued that the legislature should be accorded similar independence to strengthen democratic governance.
Despite the challenges, he assured residents that the Assembly would not relent in its constitutional duty to provide oversight and ensure that governance delivers meaningful dividends of democracy to the people of Oyo State.
Oyo Assembly Rejects Rubber Stamp Label, Backs Financial Autonomy for State Assemblies
Byadmin
Feb 16, 2026