Hon. Barr. Seun Adesanya

Hon. (Barr.) Seun Adesanya, member representing Ijebu North East Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, has said the state legislature continues to operate under financial constraints imposed by the executive arm. Speaking on Eagle 102.5 FM’s Frontline today as he marked two years in office, Adesanya criticised what he described as a lack of autonomy for both the legislature and the judiciary, stating, “The governor controls our purse.”

He said the House had passed resolutions in support of local government autonomy, but that implementation remains stalled due to executive reluctance. “We’ve done what we are supposed to do. We sent the autonomy bill to the executive, but approval is still pending,” he said. While acknowledging the governor’s efforts in some areas, Adesanya noted that Ogun State is not exempt from the broader pattern of executive control across the country.

Looking back at the start of his term, Adesanya recounted a personal intervention at the General Hospital in Atan before his official swearing-in. Disturbed by the poor state of the facility, he said he personally provided surgical equipment. “Within a week, doctors had carried out three successful operations. It showed me that some things can be fixed if you step in directly,” he said.

He also addressed the status of constituency projects, disclosing that although ₦150 million was approved, only 20 per cent of the funds has been released so far. Adesanya explained that the state government selects contractors through its own process and that he had no role in the nominations. He noted that work is ongoing on over 180 solar-powered streetlights across communities including Ilese, Atan, Oke Aye, Madegun, and Ogbogbo. “Ilese is getting 20 double-arm lights; Atan will get 20 single-arm ones. Contractors have been instructed not to stop; I want these completed in the next few weeks,” he said.

Responding to questions about his visibility and community engagement, Adesanya said his approach prioritises direct, day-to-day contact over large gatherings. “I talk to my people all the time. I know the terrain. Some politicians call a conference and call it engagement. That’s not necessary for me,” he said.

He expressed concern about rising insecurity and advocated for community-led security solutions. “Unless we’re deceiving ourselves, we are sitting on a gunpowder keg. Communities must be allowed to defend themselves,” he said, stressing the need for local policing and more decentralised governance.

Adesanya said he has sponsored five motions in the Assembly, including those addressing the rehabilitation of the Idomila–Ilese Road, upgrades to judicial infrastructure, and increased budgetary support for magistrate courts. He added that Ogun State’s laws have not been formally updated or republished since 2004. “A law that is not published is as good as not existing,” he said.

He also criticised the state government’s toll policy on the Lagos-Epe Road, which, according to him, did not pass through the House of Assembly before implementation. “The executive approved it directly. The government should not introduce policies that worsen people’s hardship,” he said.

According to a report by Eagle 102.5 FM, toll collection at the newly introduced gate in Ilese-Ijebu began on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The fees were pegged at ₦500 for cars, ₦1,000 for buses, and ₦2,500 for trucks. Drivers interviewed at the scene accused the government of insensitivity, saying the charges ignore the current economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.

Adesanya concluded the interview by reiterating his commitment to his constituency but cautioned that meaningful progress will remain difficult without greater legislative independence and local governance reform.