Ondo Assembly moves to regulate domestic staffing, tackle kidnapping, cultism, road infrastructure with new bills

By Precious Oluwole

In a bid to strengthen governance, enhance public safety, and improve infrastructure, the Ondo State House of Assembly has committed four significant bills to the committee stage.

The bills were committed to committees stage after scaling through the second reading at a plenary, presided over by the speaker, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji on Tuesday

The bills are; a bill for a Law to provide for the registration of domestic staff service providers collection of data of domestic staff in Ondo State,a bill for a Law to provide for the prohibition of the act of kidnapping and abduction,a bill for a Law to provide for the prohibition of unlawful societies and cultism in all learning institutions and communities in Ondo State and a bill for a Law to establish the Ondo State Roads Fund (ODSRF) to fund the management, planning, development, rehabilitation and reconstruction of class C and class D roads and maintenance of class B roads in Ondo State.

The Clark of the House, Barr. Jaiyeola Benjamin read the presentation of the bills sent by the State government.

Speaking on the bills, the House highlighted their strategic importance to public safety and development.

Lawmakers underscored the need for regulated domestic staffing, citing international examples. They noted that standardising the sector would prevent the infiltration of criminals and reduce health risks.
“Creating domestic staff awareness will not only protect households but also shield the state from the threats of disease spread and criminal infiltration,” a member said.

They further lamented the lack of proper documentation and background checks for domestic workers.
“Some of these workers are like family they cook, farm, and live among us, yet they are undocumented and unregulated,” a lawmaker noted, urging the House to prioritise the bill.

On the proposed law to curb kidnapping and abduction, members expressed overwhelming support, describing the menace as an “epidemic” that requires urgent action. The bill proposes the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and provides enhanced legal provisions, including Section 19, which ensures speedy arraignment and fair trials for suspects.

“The menace of kidnapping has reached a point where silence is no longer an option. This bill is long overdue,” said one legislator, calling for tougher deterrent measures.

Equally receiving strong support was the bill to prohibit cultism in schools and communities. Lawmakers condemned the rise in school violence linked to cult groups.

“Cultism is no longer a secret. Some students now pay cultists just to feel safe while studying at night,” a legislator stated.

Section 8 (14) of the bill mandates schools to organise regular orientation and sensitisation programmes, while also empowering external security forces to act beyond campus jurisdictions. It further criminalises parental complicity in cult-related activities, prescribing up to two years’ imprisonment for parents who fail to report their children’s involvement.

Regarding the Ondo State Roads Fund Bill, members expressed optimism that the initiative would fast-track infrastructural development and improve road accessibility across the state.

“This will ensure sustained investment in road maintenance and open up rural and suburban areas for economic growth,” one member noted.

Lawmakers agreed that the passage of these bills would signify a milestone in safeguarding the rights and safety of citizens, particularly women, children, and students.

“These bills are not just legislative paperwork; they are life-saving interventions for a safer, more responsible Ondo State,” the lawmakers concluded.

The Speaker thanked all contributors, and the bills were referred to relevant committees for further legislative scrutiny and public consultation.

In a related development, the House has established a new Standing Committee on Food Security, appointing Hon. Nelson Akinsuroju, who represents Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, as its Chairman. This move aligns with the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening agricultural sustainability and improving public welfare across the state.