The Osun State House of Assembly has approved two key bills aimed at strengthening marriage documentation and improving water management for farmers across the state.
The bills — The Islamic and Traditional Marriages (Registration) Bill and the Osun State Water Users’ Association (Irrigation) Bill — were passed during Monday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Adewale Egbedun.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Olamide Tiamiyu, the legislative actions were described as “significant milestones toward promoting cultural identity, social order, and agricultural development in Osun State.”
The Islamic and Traditional Marriages (Registration) Bill, sponsored by Lawmaker Lawal Bamidele Rasheed, seeks to establish a unified legal framework for officially recognizing marriages conducted under Islamic and traditional rites.
The law is expected to guide documentation processes and protect the rights of couples in such unions.
According to Speaker Egbedun, the legislation reinforces societal values while ensuring legal protection for citizens.
“This bill respects our cultural and religious values while ensuring that all marriages within Osun State are duly recognised and protected under the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Water Users’ Association (Irrigation) Bill, an executive proposal, establishes a system through which communities and farmers can jointly manage irrigation facilities.
The law creates legal backing for the formation and operation of Water Users’ Associations which will oversee irrigation networks across key farming regions.
Egbedun explained that the initiative would boost food production and improve rural livelihoods.
“When signed into law, this bill will empower farmers and rural communities to sustainably manage irrigation infrastructure, improve water distribution efficiency, enhance crop yields, and strengthen food security in the state,” he stated.
The Assembly confirmed that clean copies of the two bills will be transmitted to Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke for assent.
If signed, they will join other recent legislative reforms including the Multi-Door Courthouse Establishment Bill and the Osun State Road Traffic and Vehicle Inspection Service Bill, which were passed to expand alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and enhance road safety enforcement.
The Speaker commended lawmakers for what he described as their continued commitment to the welfare of residents.
“These laws reflect our collective resolve to advance social justice, cultural preservation, and economic development in Osun State,” Egbedun said.
