As a measure to outlaw the wicked practice advanced to second reading, the Oyo State House of Assembly reaffirmed its resolve to putting an end to cultism and its connected activities.
The bill which was sponsored jointly by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the Minority Leader, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, and the Party Whip, Hon. Isiaka Kazeem Tunde was reading the floor of the Assembly during the House plenary session on Tuesday.
The laws is aimed at repealing the Secret Cultism Prohibition Act of 2000, which sought to restrict cult activity to a select number of locations.
When passed, it will be illegal to participate in cult activities or to be a member of one in Oyo State’s elementary and secondary schools, higher education institutions, and other public locations such as markets, workplaces, neighborhoods, and so on.
The Speaker claims that the Oyo State Cultism Prohibition Act, 2022, is all-inclusive because it prohibits cultism and cult-related activities in all levels of schools as well as other public areas like offices, markets, places of worship, and other places.
Hon Adebo Ogundoyin decried the growing number of cult activities amongst the people especially the youths.
“The bill is important and we are taking it seriously. It will be committed to appropriate House Committees for scrutiny” he stated.
While seconding the motion, Hon Seyi Adisa, member representing Afijio State Constituency, described the bill as timely and pivotal to tackling cultism in Oyo State.