In a recent development, Mr. Adewale Egbedun, the representative of Odo-Otin State Constituency, has been elected as the Speaker of the 8th Osun State House of Assembly.
The nomination was made by Abiola Ibrahim, the representative of Irewole/Isokan Constituency, and seconded by Areoye Ebenezer from Atakumosa East/West Constituency.
It was reported that this marks the first term in office for Egbedun, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Alongside Egbedun, Mr. Akinyode Oyewusi, the lawmaker representing Ife North State Constituency, has been chosen as the Deputy Speaker.
The nomination for Oyewusi was put forward by Elisha Oderinwale, a representative of Ayedire State Constituency, and seconded by Kashope Abolarinwa, the lawmaker for Ifedayo State Constituency.
Following the nominations, Mr. Simeon Amusan, the Clerk of the assembly, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Egbedun then proceeded to administer the same oaths to the remaining 24 members of the assembly.
During his acceptance speech, the newly appointed Speaker urged his colleagues to work together to establish a progressive and modern Osun House of Assembly.
He outlined the assembly’s key areas of focus, which include enhancing workers’ welfare, advancing infrastructural development, improving the lives of the people, and collaborating with the executive branch to drive state development.
Furthermore, Egbedun announced that the assembly would review the laws passed by the 7th assembly during its final months between August and November 2022.
The objective is to rectify any problematic bills or laws that were enacted during that period.
In his address, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun appealed for the support of the legislature in achieving his five-goal development agenda for the state, emphasizing the importance of the executive and legislative branches working in harmony to provide the people with the benefits of democracy.
Adeleke noted the shared political party affiliation between the executive and the majority of the legislature as a basis for their collaborative efforts.
It is noteworthy that Egbedun has succeeded Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, who served as the head of the 7th Osun House of Assembly from 2019 to 2023.
Other key positions filled include Babajide Kofoworola as Majority Leader, Adekunle Oladimeji as Deputy Majority Leader, Olawale Akerele as Chief Whip, and Afeez Ibrahim as Deputy Chief Whip.
Prominent individuals present at the inauguration ceremony included Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former governor of Osun State and PDP stalwart, as well as former Osun House of Assembly Speakers Adejare Bello and Najeem Salaam.
Also in attendance were Mrs. Adepele Ojo, the Chief Judge of Osun State, and former members of the Osun assembly, among others.
