After around four hours of drama and last-minute pressure on his primary rival, Oludaisi Elemide, to withdraw from the campaign, the Ogun State House of Assembly’s Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, has won reelection.
Elemide, a supporter of the outgoing governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, resigned so that Oluomo could win the election without opposition.
According to the Daily Trust, the rescheduled swearing-in of the Assembly’s tenth legislature was met with increased unease and angst.
According to our source, Oluomo, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s chosen nominee, was still in the dark as of Tuesday morning’s sitting time.
Olakunle Oluomo, who served as speaker of the ninth assembly, is currently charged with corruption for allegedly diverting N2.5 billion.
Due to reported security threats, the Clerk, Deji Adeyemo, ordered all members-elect, dignitaries, media, and other stakeholders off the floor and into the gallery on Tuesday.
Adeyemo made the statement once the plenary entrance was secured.
Following the announcement, police officers led everyone inside the assembly chamber and gallery—including journalists—out of the structure.
The 10th Assembly’s opening session was delayed for a few hours while security personnel brought the swapping machine inside for a security inspection.
Additionally, security precautions within and around the assembly were stepped up.
According to the Daily Trust, to assure Oluomo’s re-election, Abiodun sent his secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, and former political adviser Tunji Egbetokun, among others, to the assembly.
Members-elect returned to the floor after the opening session had been delayed for around two hours.
While requesting nominations for the election of the speaker and deputy speaker, Adeyemo called the assembly to order.
The former speaker was proposed by Lamidi Musefiu from Ado-Odo Ota state constituency 2 and supported by Owodeh Waliu from Ijebu East.
The Clerk appointed Oluomo as the next speaker without more nominations.
Additionally, Mrs Ajayi Bolanle, a female returning Yewa South State seat member, was chosen as Deputy Speaker without opposition.
