A declaration of support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s governorship bid by the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Olamide Oladiji, has resulted in some House members distancing themselves from the endorsement, according to a statement signed by 13 lawmakers and released on Wednesday.
During a press release, the lawmakers expressed a lack of confidence in the speaker’s actions.
In Akure on Tuesday, Aiyedatiwa publicly announced his intention to run in the upcoming November governorship election in the state.
In a goodwill message, the speaker reassured the governor of the Assembly members’ support in securing the All Progressives Congress ticket and winning the main election in November.
Oladiji stated, “We have approximately 18 (out of 26) members of the Ondo State House of Assembly present here with Governor Aiyedatiwa. The Ondo House is in support of Aiyedatiwa, even those who are not in APC are united with us in this journey. I urge our leaders from the 18 local governments to return to their areas and take the necessary steps.
“Let the reconciliation process continue, and by April 24 (primary), we will ensure Hon. Aiyedatiwa’s victory. On behalf of the honorable members of Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr. Governor, I extend my congratulations in advance.”
However, some Assembly members have opposed the speaker’s statement, claiming that the parliament has not officially endorsed any governorship aspirants yet. They find the speaker’s declaration to be both embarrassing and disappointing.
Signatories of the opposing statement include Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi (Majority Leader), Moyinolorun Taiwo Ogunwumiju (Parliamentary Secretary), Oluwarotimi Fasonu (Chief Whip), Olajide Oguntodu (Minority Leader), Raymond Daodu (Deputy Minority Leader), and Akinsuroju Nelson.
Others who signed include Akomolafe Temitope, Ifabiyi Olatunji, Agbulu Akeem, Christopher Ayebusiwa, Atinuke Witherspoon, Biola Oladapo, and Afe Felix.
Part of their statement reads, “At no point did the Ondo State House of Assembly deliberate on the governorship ambitions of any of the numerous aspirants vying for the 2024 governorship election. Neither did it agree to support any particular aspirant.
“The Speaker does not possess the moral or legal authority to speak or pledge support for any governorship aspirant on behalf of the House without explicit consent from the members.
“By making an unconventional and false public declaration, the Speaker has misrepresented the honorable House, tarnished the reputation of the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly, sparked unnecessary controversies, and violated our trust in his leadership.
“Therefore, we hereby express a vote of no-confidence in the leadership of the Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji.”