Ibadan, Nigeria – August 17, 2025 – The push for a more inclusive and rights-based legal framework for persons with disabilities gained momentum in Oyo State as the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) paid an advocacy visit to the Oyo State House of Assembly. The visit, part of the project “Expanding Civic Space Rights for Persons with Disabilities”, aimed to present the findings of a review of the Oyo State Persons Living with Disabilities Law of 2017 and to lobby for key amendments that safeguard the civic space rights of persons with disabilities.
The delegation was warmly received by Hon. Onaolapo Sanjo Adedoyin, the House Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, alongside senior Assembly officials including Mrs. Ogundeji A., Director of Legislative Planning and Budget Research, and Mrs. Ilori, Committee Clerk on Women Affairs. Also present were representatives of various disability clusters and members of the media.
Leading the CCD team, Mrs. Florence Austin, Finance and Admin Manager of the Centre, highlighted the importance of protecting the civic freedoms of persons with disabilities — freedoms that include speaking out without intimidation, organizing peaceful assemblies, and engaging policymakers to shape governance and development.
She lamented that civic actors with disabilities in Oyo and across Nigeria often face harassment, intimidation, and violence during peaceful protests, leaving them disproportionately vulnerable. In presenting the review, she called for the law’s title to be amended to the “Oyo State Persons with Disability Law”, in line with UN-approved terminology, and urged the Assembly to integrate explicit provisions guaranteeing civic space rights and protections.
“Persons with disabilities are not asking for special treatment, only equal opportunities and protection under the law. Accessible civic space is the foundation of inclusion and good governance,” Mrs. Austin stressed.
The CCD team formally presented a policy brief to Hon. Adedoyin, outlining these recommendations.
In response, Hon. Adedoyin praised the CCD for its commitment to advancing disability inclusion, affirming that both the executive and legislative arms of Oyo State remain committed to the welfare of persons with disabilities.
“The Oyo State House of Assembly has a tradition of periodically reviewing all laws to close gaps and adapt to new realities. On behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, I assure you that this policy brief will be carefully considered, and the concerns raised will receive the attention they deserve,” he said.
Representing the disability community, Barr. Fadiya, on behalf of Hon. Ajulo Femi Ojo, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Oyo State Chapter, applauded the government and Assembly for their recognition of disability issues. He urged swift legislative action to ensure that CCD’s recommendations are translated into law, thereby strengthening the legal protections of persons with disabilities.
In closing, Hon. Adedoyin pledged full cooperation with CCD and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to amending the Oyo State Disability Law of 2017 to address civic space rights and create protective mechanisms for civic actors with disabilities.
The advocacy visit marked a significant step in bridging the gap between policy promises and lived realities of persons with disabilities in Oyo State. If implemented, the proposed amendments could position Oyo as a leading state in Nigeria for disability-inclusive governance and civic participation.
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