The newly-elected Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oloyelogun, has cross-carpeted from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, shortly after his inauguration as Speaker on Monday.
Mr Oloyelogun, who represents Ifedore Constituency, said he would be decamping officially with some other members on Tuesday.
“We are here today to signify our intention to join the ruling party, APC. The other ceremony will be done tomorrow (Tuesday), the speaker said.
“At the national level, they have factionalized our party. The same scenario is also at the state level. This declaration is for our followers and those we represent.
“We are ready to work with the executive without any problem, and all necessary things to be done are in place. Rest assured that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is ready to work and we are ready to support him.”
Similarly, the deputy speaker, Ogundeji Iroju, said PDP was on the verge of dying, adding that it was the APC that could deliver good governance to the people of the state.
However, the factional lawmakers boycott the election.
Mr Oloyelogun emerged victorious with nine votes after beating Olamide George from Akure North Constituency ‘1’ who polled four votes during an election described by critics as sham.
The election was conducted by thirteen lawmakers who suspended former speaker, Jumoke Akindele.
The acting speaker, Malachi Coker, had voluntarily stepped down from the seat.
Also, the election saw Ogundeji Iroju, from Odigbo Constituency, emerging as the new deputy speaker, unopposed.
Mr Ogundeji was the former spokesman of the ‘rebel’ lawmakers opposed to former speaker, Mr Akindele’s style of leadership.
