ABEOKUTA — The Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Yusuf Sheriff Abiodun, has pledged to introduce and champion a bill that would guarantee at least 35 per cent gender representation in appointive positions across the state, according to a statement issued by AdvoKC Foundation.

The commitment followed an advocacy meeting held on March 16, 2026, between the youth-led civic technology and accountability organisation and the lawmaker representing Ado/Odo Ota 1 Constituency.
The proposed legislation, known as the 35% Gender Composition Bill, seeks to institutionalise inclusive governance by making gender balance in public appointments a legal requirement.

AdvoKC Foundation said the bill is designed to strengthen and sustain the gains of an Executive Order signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun on April 4, 2022, which set a 35 per cent benchmark for women’s representation in government.

“While the Executive Order reflects strong political will, it does not carry the permanence of law,” the organisation said, noting that legislation would ensure continuity, accountability and enforceability across administrations.

According to the statement signed by Luqman Adamu, Communications Manager of AdvoKC Foundation, Abiodun described the proposal as “timely and important” and affirmed his readiness to drive the legislative process.

The Majority Leader, who also chairs the House Committee on Bills and serves as Chairman of Majority Leaders in the South West, said his positions place him in a strategic role to facilitate the bill’s introduction and progression.

AdvoKC Foundation’s delegation to the meeting included Habib Sheidu, Acting Executive Director; Onyinye Edyson, Programme Manager and Head of the Ogun State Cluster; and Dare Olatunde, Head of Programmes and Partnerships. Also present was Abayomi Oke, a foundation cluster member in Ogun State.

Reacting to the outcome of the meeting, Sheidu said the engagement marked a significant step toward institutionalising gender equity in the state’s governance framework.
“We are encouraged by the Majority Leader’s receptiveness and his clear understanding of the importance of this bill. An Executive Order is a powerful statement of intent, but a law is a guarantee,” he said.
The organisation noted that the lawmaker’s support signals growing political will for gender-inclusive governance in Ogun State and raises prospects for the bill’s successful passage.
The proposed legislation is part of AdvoKC Foundation’s broader Strengthening Women and Youth Political Power Project, aimed at expanding inclusive participation in governance.