…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Repeal of Osun State Anthem, Crest, and Flag Law 2012: Compliance with Court Judgement
On Tuesday, the Osun State House of Assembly made a significant decision during the plenary session by repealing the Osun State Anthem, Crest, and Flag Law 2012.
This action followed a statement issued by the Speaker of the Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, after the plenary.
In the statement, the Speaker explained that the repeal of the law was carried out in accordance with the judgement of a Federal High Court dated December 14, 2017.
Respecting the Nigerian Constitution and Crafting a New Law
Speaker Egbedun emphasized that the repeal of the law was necessary to adhere to the judgement of the Federal High Court and to pave the way for a new law that aligns with the principles and provisions of the Nigerian constitution.
He stated that the House intended to pass a new law, the Osun State Anthem, Crest, and Flag Bill 2023, which would incorporate necessary amendments while upholding the values enshrined in the constitution.
Considering Appropriate Aspects of the Law
While repealing the Osun State Anthem, Crest, and Flag Law 2012, the House of Assembly acknowledged that certain aspects of the law might still hold relevance.
As a result, the House agreed that any necessary corrections or modifications made to the original law would be included in the proposed Osun State Anthem, Crest, and Flag Bill 2023.
The Majority Leader of the Assembly sponsored this bill, ensuring that appropriate elements are retained and aligned with constitutional requirements.
Vacating an Invalidated Law to Embrace a New Legislation
The Speaker clarified that the purpose of repealing the Osun State Anthem, Crest, and Flag Law 2012 was to nullify a law that had already been invalidated by a competent court.
By vacating this law, the Assembly sought to create an avenue for the enactment of a new law that respects and upholds the letter and spirit of the Nigerian constitution, to which they are committed.
Background on the Anthem, Flag, and Crest Law
During the tenure of the Rauf Aregbesola administration, an anthem, flag, and crest were created for Osun State.
The state assembly passed the Osun State Anthem, Crest, and Flag Law in 2012, solidifying these symbolic representations of the state.
Additionally, the name of the state was changed from “Osun State” to “the state of the Living Spring” and eventually to “State of Osun, the State of the Virtuous.”
Legal Challenge and Response
Kanmi Ajibola, who is now a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Oriade State Constituency, was dissatisfied with the decision made by the House of Assembly.
Consequently, Ajibola took the matter to court, leading to the subsequent compliance with the court judgement and the repeal of the law by the Assembly.