The Edo State House of Assembly has unanimously voted in support of the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the establishment of State Police. The bill was approved during plenary on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, following its transmission by the National Assembly on September 16, 2026, as reported by Daily Post.
Edo State House of Assembly Approves State Police Bill
Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Yekini Idaiye informed members of the transmission prior to the vote. The proposal forms part of the wider Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which was forwarded to all 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration, concurrence, and approval in accordance with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution. For the proposed amendment to become part of the Constitution, it requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the state legislatures, meaning at least 24 states must back the measure.
Legislative Debates and Lawmaker Perspectives
During the plenary session in Benin City, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sunday Ojiezele (also referred to in reports as Hon. Sunny Ojiezele or Hon. Osezua Sunday Ojezelle representing Esan South-East), presented the bill and urged members to support its passage to help fight insecurity. The motion to pass the bill was moved by the Majority Leader and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Natasha Osawaru.
Several lawmakers contributed to the exhaustive debate:
- Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II) described the proposal as a courageous step that would create employment opportunities for residents.
- Hon. Charity Iguodala Aiguobarueghian (Ovia North-East I) stated that the creation of State Police would enhance security at the community level.
- Hon. Richard Edosa (Oredo West / Oredo Constituency I) advocated the establishment of an Edo State Police Service Commission as part of the new policing framework.
- Hon. Kingsley Ugabi (Etsako East) and Hon. Maria Edeko (Esan North-East II) emphasized that the legislation would help restore peace and security to communities across the state.
- Hon. Addeh Isibor (Esan North-East) also spoke in support, describing the bill as laudable and in the right direction.
Following the unanimous passage of the bill, Speaker Yekini Idaiye described the measure as germane for addressing security challenges and providing jobs. He directed the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Yahaya Omogbai, to prepare and forward clean copies of the concurrence resolution to the National Assembly in Abuja. Additional details on the national legislative background and the broader constitutional review process were outlined by Politics Nigeria.
Additional Legislative Actions and Board Confirmation
In a separate development during the same legislative sitting, the Edo State House of Assembly confirmed the nomination of Jolly Ogbeide Obosa (also referred to as Jolly Ogbeide Obosa) as a member of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC).
The confirmation followed the presentation of a screening report by the Majority Leader, which was subsequently adopted by the House. Upon confirmation, the Speaker directed the Clerk to forward clean copies of the resolution to the Governor for assent, according to Vanguard. Following these proceedings, the House adjourned its sitting to Monday, September 28, 2026.