Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun
Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly
Osogbo, Osun State.
Dear Rt. Hon. Speaker,
I write to you not just as a concerned citizen, but as a voice for many young people whose hopes and aspirations hinge on the decisions made within the hallowed chambers of the Osun State House of Assembly. With utmost respect, I express my deep concern over what appears to be a misplacement of legislative priorities and a troubling departure from the proactive lawmaking expected of a people-centered Assembly.
ON THE LACK OF PROACTIVE LAWMAKING
The primary responsibility of the legislature is to enact laws that promote the welfare, development, and progressive transformation of society. Sadly, it appears that the Osun State House of Assembly is yet to fully embrace this mandate. Many of the bills recently proposed or passed have failed to significantly address the pressing challenges faced by the average Osun citizen. The seeming disconnect between legislative activity and public interest is fast becoming a source of frustration for many.
ON THE PROPOSED PENALTY FOR SKATERS: A CASE OF MISPLACED PRIORITY
The recent bill seeking to penalize individuals engaged in skating—with a proposed sentence of up to six years—has raised serious alarms. Skating, like other sports, is a healthy recreational activity that fosters discipline, creativity, and community among young people. Criminalizing it is not only counterintuitive but regressive. Rather than punishing skaters, the state should be promoting and regulating such activities in ways that ensure public safety while nurturing talent.
Targeting a harmless, youth-driven sport reflects an unfortunate misdirection of legislative effort. At a time when young people need encouragement, empowerment, and safe spaces for expression, this bill feels more like an attack on youth culture than a measure of public order.
A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE AND IMPACTFUL LEGISLATION
We respectfully urge the Osun State House of Assembly to refocus its energy on areas that truly demand urgent legislative intervention. The people need laws that will:
1. Support economic growth and create sustainable jobs
2. Improve access to affordable and quality education
3. Strengthen the healthcare system across urban and rural communities
4. Upgrade infrastructure and public amenities
5. Foster conducive environment for Business and Investments and promote youth empowerments.
The role of the Assembly is not merely to legislate, but to legislate meaningfully. The well-being of Osun’s citizens—particularly the youth—should be the Assembly’s guiding compass.
RECOMMENDED AREAS OF LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY
EDUCATION:
Focus on increasing funding for schools, improving teacher welfare, and fostering innovation in educational delivery through meaningful public-private partnerships.
HEALTHCARE:
Pass laws that expand healthcare access, incentivize rural health service, upgrade medical facilities, and support the continuous development of health professionals.
INFRASTRUCTURE:
Legislate for the improvement of road networks, drainage systems, and public transportation—all of which directly affect the ease of living and economic activity.
ECONOMY:
Encourage investment by creating enabling environments through tax reforms, digital innovation hubs, small business support, and infrastructure expansion.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT:
Move beyond token representation. Pass bills that provide access to grants, skills training, entrepreneurship schemes, and sports development programs. The young people of Osun State deserve more opportunities, not unnecessary restrictions.
CONCLUSION: TOWARD A MORE PURPOSEFUL LEGISLATURE
The current state of affairs calls for introspection and recalibration. The House must rise to the occasion and reassert its position as a beacon of responsive leadership. Legislating against skating may seem like law and order—but in truth, it misses the mark by failing to tackle real, systemic issues.
We appeal to you and your honorable colleagues: let your legacy be defined by progress, not pettiness. The people of Osun State are watching—and history will remember whether this Assembly stood with the people or legislated against their hope.
We believe in the potential of this House to lead transformative change. Let us legislate for growth, not fear; for progress, not punishment.
Yours sincerely,
Oluomo Success
For: Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens (CCNC)
