Ondo Assembly Reverses Removal of Deputy Speaker

James Sowole in Akure

Barely 24 hours after the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Iroju Ogundeji, was removed, the House at its plenary Wednesday reversed its decision.

The reversal was carried out amidst tight security provided by the men and officers of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Services (DSS).

At its sitting that lasted just 15 minutes, the House which suspended its Rule 4 (3), that allowed it to conduct its Wednesday session in Yoruba Language, hinged its decision on the need for peace and tranquility.

Moving the motion for the reversal of the Deputy Speaker’s removal, the Majority Leader, Hon. Olugbenga Araoyinbo of Akoko North West Constituency, said various stakeholders had intervened in the matter.

“Due to the intervention of well meaning Nigerians especially the governors of Ondo State, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun State) and the leadership of the All Progressive Congress, I hereby move the motion for the reversal of impeachment of the Hon. Iroju Ogundeji,” Araoyinbo said.

The motion for the reversal of the Tuesday’s action of the House was seconded by Hon. Fatai Olotu of Akoko North East Constituency.

Ironically, Olotu was the one that moved the motion for the suspension of the Deputy Speaker on Tuesday.

Addressing journalists after the action, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Olotu said the Assembly was advised to have a rethink on the removal in the interest of peace and tranquility in Ondo State.

He said there was nothing in the law of the House that said something that had been done cannot be reversed.

“Nobody benefits from crisis. Sustenance of peace is important. No sacrifice is too much to sustain peace. What we have done is in the interest of peace and the state,” Olotu stated.

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