Its use is however, subject to when the House leadership can put in place necessary machinery and other supportive equipment for its implementation.

The use of the language has been a recurring issue since last month when Dr. Chinyere Ohiri-Aniche of the Linguistics Department of the University of Lagos sent a letter requesting its adoption by the House.

The issue generated interest among members of the public who sent letters and representation to the sitting. Among the groups were the Oodua peoples Congress (OPC) which sent in a letter signed by its National Coordinator, Otunba Gani Adams. The letter urged the House to give the matter a speedy hearing.

Other people who witnessed yesterday’s hearing include: Dr. Ohire-Aniche, who led a team from the Linguistics Department of the University of Lagos, Mr. Layi Ajayi-Bembe, President of the Association of Lagos State Indigenes, who also led some members of the Association to observe the sitting.

Moving the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Funmilayo Tejuosho noted that the adoption of the language was in line with Section 97 of the 1999 Constitution which empowers legislative Houses to conduct its business in other languages spoken in the state besides English.

She noted that the use of Yoruba as another language for the conduct of the House activities would enhance the quality of debate.

Other members of the House, who spoke on the motion, noted that the use of a native language would not only bring the real beauty of democracy, but would also bring the lawmakers closer to the grassroots.

The Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji advised the Clerk and other Legislative staff to brace up for the challenge of the task that the development may pose.