Ondo assembly reverses speaker’s impeachment

The Ondo state house of assembly has reversed the impeachment of Jumoke Akindele, its speaker, and Fatai Olotu, the deputy speaker.

Olamide George, chairman, house committee on information, disclosed this at a press conference in Akure, the state capital, on Wednesday.

Eighteen out of the 26 members of the house met late Tuesday night in the house of one of the aggrieved members to carry out the act.

Subsequently, Iroju Ogundeji from Odigbo state constituency, was elected as the new speaker, while Ayo Arowele from Owo state constituency was chosen as the deputy speaker.

But George said the issue of the leadership crisis in the house was an internal affair and had been treated as such.

“On Tuesday, 8th of March, 2016, sizeable number of members of Ondo state house of assembly met on some burning issues touching on the leadership of the house,” he said.

“Before plenary today, Wednesday 9th of March, 2016, members, at a larger and official gathering, met to review the situation.

“They consequently resolved to allow the status quo ante on the leadership of Ondo state house of assembly as at 7th March 2016 to remain.”

George said the house remained united, cohesive and alive to its constitutional responsibilities.

Earlier on Wednesday, Olusegun Mimmiko, governor of the state, met with the lawmakers to resolve the issue.

The assembly is dominated by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).