By Peter Dansu Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, has thrown his weight ...
By Peter Dansu
Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, has thrown his weight behind bold constitutional demands presented by the Ogu General Assembly (OGA), as he joined the group’s special delegation to the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on the ongoing Constitution Review process of the National Assembly, held yesterday in Lagos.
The Ogu General Assembly, a socio-cultural umbrella body representing the Ogu ethnic minority across Lagos and Ogun States, submitted a far-reaching memorandum calling for the creation of Badagry State, full autonomy for local governments, restructuring of Nigeria’s governance system, and protection of minority cultures and identities.
Hon. Whingan, who was part of the OGA committee led by Prof. Jendele Hungbo, praised the Assembly’s submission as “timely, courageous, and representative of the aspirations of our people.” He reaffirmed his commitment to pushing these demands through the legislative process at the National Assembly.
“As a representative of Badagry and an Ogu son, I stand fully behind the call for the creation of Badagry State and constitutional guarantees for local government autonomy. These reforms are long overdue,” Hon. Whingan said at the event.
The OGA’s detailed submission highlighted the urgent need for a new Badagry State carved out of the historical Old Badagry Division, which includes parts of present-day Lagos West and Ogun West Senatorial Districts. According to the group, this new state would correct years of political marginalization, bring governance closer to the people, and fast-track development in the region.
Beyond state creation, OGA demanded full autonomy for local governments, a complete overhaul of the current presidential system in favour of a cost-effective parliamentary model, and a new revenue allocation formula that gives 30% to LGAs, 35% to states, and 35% to the federal government.
The memorandum also proposed the establishment of state police, formal recognition of traditional institutions (*Aholu* in Ogu land), and creation of more courts to improve judicial efficiency. It called for mother-tongue education in Ogu communities, better border development policies through a proposed Border Area Development Commission, and protection for minority languages and cultures.
Hon. Whingan described the presentation as “one of the most comprehensive, people-oriented submissions” he has seen in the ongoing review process. He assured Ogu communities that he would continue to use his position in the House of Representatives to advocate for justice, equity, and true federalism.
The memorandum, signed by 13 prominent Ogu leaders, received wide commendation at the public hearing and is expected to shape discussions as the Constitution Review Committee prepares its final recommendations.
“This is not just a document. It’s a voice. The voice of a people who refuse to be forgotten,” Hon. Whingan added.
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