Constitution Review: TYF submits memorandum at SW public hearing, advocates for state police, LG autonomy

July 05, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

A Socio-Cultural and Socio-Political organistion, Think Yoruba First, (TYF), has submitted a memorandum at the South-West zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution, advocating for key reforms to address Nigeria’s security and governance challenges.

The organization’s representatives, Arakunrin Oritsejolomi Rone and Arakunrin Salaudeen Abdulahi Olawale, presented TYF’s position on proposed constitutional amendments.

The South-West zonal hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution started on Friday July 04, 2025 and ended on Saturday, July 05, 2025, at Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with a robust nationwide debate on proposals.

According to TYF, the implementation of state police would enable rapid response, localized intelligence gathering, and cultural affinity, ultimately reducing insecurity.

“Decentralizing policing and allowing states to employ and manage their own police forces could create a more effective and responsive security apparatus,” the memorandum reads.

The organization also emphasized the need for local government autonomy, stating that it would “bring government closer to the people” and “promote accountability and participation.”

TYF called for constitutional amendments to guarantee local government autonomy and direct access to the Federation Account.

On electoral reforms, TYF proposed a 40% minimum representation quota for women and at least 1 in every 17 federal and state legislative seats reserved for candidates under 35 years old.

However, the organization rejected diaspora voting, citing constitutional constraints, and expressed concerns about independent candidacy, stating that it could lead to electoral chaos.

TYF also strongly rejected the proposed Indigenous Bill, stating that it would “lead to destruction of cultural and historical foundations of many ethnic nations that constituted the Nigeria State.”

The organization argued that indigenous identity should be rooted in ancestry, cultural heritage, and deep historical ties to the land, not residency or marriage.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized the significance of the public hearing, stating, “This public hearing is an essential democratic process. It is meant to subject the proposed constitutional amendments to the views, debates, and contributions of Nigerians.”

Bamidele urged all stakeholders to take advantage of the public hearings and speak up on issues affecting their communities.