By Queen Kunde
In a major boost for the ongoing #HerSeatInParliament campaign, the League of Women Voters in Ife led a high-level advocacy delegation to the revered Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, seeking royal endorsement for the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) aimed at increasing women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislative bodies.
The delegation, headed by the League’s President, Hon. Irene Awunah- Ikyegh, the Country Representative of UN Women Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong received an overwhelmingly warm and passionate reception from the monarch, who publicly threw his weight behind the bill.
Speaking with characteristic wisdom and conviction, the Ooni declared:
“This is a bill that will turn around our nation. Even the forces of nature in the spirit realm will honor this bill for what it means to our prosperity. It is born out of necessity and extremely important. No national being—especially men—should joke about it. We must all rally around this bill and make sure it passes.”
Demonstrating total commitment to the cause, Oba Ogunwusi added,
“You have won my heart. I am fully committed. Call me inside rain, I’m there. Inside sunshine, I’m there. Even while sleeping, I am fully present. If there’s anything more I can give beyond my consent, I will give it.”
The advocacy visit included notable figures such as Nollywood icon and activist Joke Silva, UN Women National Consultant Hansatu Adegbite, and Ebere Ifendu of Women in Politics, all of whom continue to champion gender equality and legislative inclusion.
The League of Women Voters emphasized that the Special Seats Bill (HB1349), currently before the National Assembly, is critical to correcting gender imbalance in political representation and ensuring that women’s voices are not just heard, but influential in shaping national policy.
“We strongly believe that the time for a new order has come,” the delegation affirmed. “We remain resolute in our mandate to empower the Nigerian woman politically and economically.”
The delegation’s visit marks a pivotal moment in the nationwide advocacy for HB1349, as support from traditional institutions like the Ooni of Ife adds moral and cultural legitimacy to the campaign.
The group has called on key national leaders of different fields including the media, CSOs, Nigerian voters and especially the law makers across the country to heed the call of history and pass the Special Seats Bill.
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