Legislature News Politics

Ekiti Assembly gets new Speaker

 

The Majority Leader, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Gboyega Aribisogan, has been elected as the new Speaker, following the death of Speaker Funminiyi Afuye, after suffering cardiac arrest.

Aribisogan, who hails from Ijesha-Isu in Ikole Local Government, defeated his only challenger for the number one legislative seat, Chief Bunmi Adelugba, representing Emure Constituency.

The election was keenly contested, with the new Speaker polling 15 votes to defeat Adelugba, who scored 10 votes.

Aribisogan was nominated by Tajudeen Akingbolu, Ekiti West 1 and seconded by Adegoke Olajide, Efon Constituency; while Bode Adeoye Oyekola, Ekiti West 2, nominated Adelugba and was seconded by Ojo Martin, Ijero Constituency.

Adelugba is believed to be the preferred candidate of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, while Aribisogan is the choice of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and some aggrieved lawmakers, who were denied return tickets.

Our source; The Nation reported that the aggrieved lawmakers revolted against Adelugba as a payback for Fayemi, who allegedly worked against their return to the house.

Aribisogan was sworn in at plenary by the Clerk, Mr. Tola Esan, who said 25 members voted, with no invalid votes recorded.

He said the election was peaceful, credible, free and fair.

Aribisogan thanked his colleagues for finding him worthy to lead the assembly.

He promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Hakeem Jamiu retained his position as Deputy Speaker, while Yemisi Ayokunle, representing Ekiti South West, is the new Leader of Business, thus becoming the first woman legislator to occupy the post in the history of the house.

Other principal officers are: Chief Whip Tope Ogunleye, Deputy Leader Tajudeen Akingbolu and Deputy Whip Adeteju Okuyiga.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *