Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has commended the seamless removal of the former Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, and the election of a new Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, describing the process as exemplary.

According to the Governor, it is not the first time in this country that members of a particular legislature have decided to change their leader, describing the instant process as rancour free.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, while receiving 19 members of the House who accompanied the new speaker on a courtesy call on him on Tuesday in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, assured the lawmakers of support in the decision taken.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun reaffirmed that the lawmakers have the right to decide who would lead them in a democracy.

He said, "It is worthy of note that the executive has not interfered in the process to make sure that you are comfortable in what you want to do that led you to making your decision. And we support you in the decision that you make.

"You have gone through the process in a way that is exemplary. This is not the first time in this country that members of a particular legislature have decided to change their leader."

He emphasized that the executive arm will continue to adhere strictly to the concept of Separation of Power and the rule of law in its relationship with the House of Assembly.

The governor pledged that his administration would support and work closely with the legislature to maintain the harmonious relationship that has existed in the last four and a half years.

In his remarks, the new speaker, Rt. Hon. Elemide said the House would continue to compliment the executive and avoid the unnecessary mudslinging that may hinder the progress of the state.

"We are not going to fight, and neither are we going to compromise the executive. In the legislature, there is room for lobbying. We will lobby where we need to lobby, we will assert where we need to assert, and we will let the whole people of the State know that we are there for them.

"To my colleagues, I would not want to betray their confidence that they have in me. It is going to be we and not I. I am just the first among equals, and we were voted in from our various constituencies. I will take cognisant that we are equal.

"I will be there to speak for them, and I will speak whatever they put in my mouth," Elemide concluded.

 

Oluomo was removed from office, last week, by 18 of the 26 lawmakers who alleged misappropriation, arrogance, high handedness, amongst others.