By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed four bills into law at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, on Tuesday.
The bills were passed at third reading after consideration of reports from relevant House Committees and public hearings with stakeholders.
The bills passed are:A bill to provide for increase in retirement age and enhanced remuneration for judicial officers in Ondo State; a bill establishing the Ondo State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo; the Ondo State Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2026; and a bill to amend the 2026 Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) Appropriation Law.
Presenting the report, the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges, Hon. Stephen Abitogun, said the law would enhance efficiency, productivity and stability in the administration of justice.
He said it would enable the state to retain experienced Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, State Counsel and other officers in the justice sector.
The Committee recommended that the law should cover Chief Registrars and Deputy Chief Registrars of the High Court and Customary Court of Appeal, the Secretary to the State Judicial Service Commission, State Counsel, Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, the Director-General of the Multi-Door Courthouse and Customary Court Inspectors.
It also recommended a transitional provision allowing serving officers who are yet to attain 65 years at commencement of the law to remain in service until that age.
Also, the Chairman, House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, said stakeholders overwhelmingly supported the bill.
He said the institution would be the first state-owned University of Agriculture and Science in the South-West, noting that existing facilities of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, would facilitate its take-off.
According to him, the university will reduce foreign research trips, create jobs, strengthen local research capacity, boost the state economy and generate revenue for its sustainability.
The Committee recommended that the new institution be named Ondo State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo, while Rufus Giwa Polytechnic retains its name and identity.
Also, chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, said the Taxes and Levies Law would curb multiple taxation, close loopholes and improve revenue collection efficiency.
He said the law empowers ODIRS, Local Government Councils and law enforcement agencies to check irregularities, eliminate the use of touts, thugs and unauthorised persons in tax collection, and outlaw illegal roadblocks.
He added that it would promote collaboration among ODIRS, the Joint Tax Board and Local Governments to harmonise tax administration.
On the amendment of the 2026 ODIRS Appropriation Law, Ogunmolasuyi said the Committee recommended approval of an additional N3,000,050,120.00 for recurrent and capital expenditure.
He said the Committee also recommended a total revised budget of N8,563,050,120.00 for ODIRS, comprising N8,113,062,441.00 recurrent and N449,987,679.00 capital expenditure.
The Committee urged the State Government and ODIRS to ensure effective implementation and to strengthen its internally generated revenue drive.
The motions for third reading and passage were moved by the House Leader, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, and seconded by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, Hon. Stephen Abitogun and Chief Whip Hon. Sulaiman Murtala.
Meanwhile, Speaker Oladiji announced a working recess for the Assembly from October 27 to December 3, 2026.
He said the recess should not be seen as a period of inactivity but an opportunity for lawmakers to deepen legislative work, engage constituents, assess government policies, monitor budget implementation and inspect constituency projects.
He urged members to identify legislative gaps, review existing laws and prepare proposals to improve governance and democratic accountability.
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