Owoeye elected Osun Speaker

Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola yesterday urged members of the House of Assembly to work for the socio-economic development of the state.

He also advised them to see themselves as partners in progress by keying into his administration’s people-oriented and development-focused policies and programmes.

Oyetola spoke after inaugurating the seventh Osun State House of Assembly in Osogbo, the state capital.

The 26-member Assembly unanimously elected Timothy Adigun Oladiji Owoeye (Ilesa East) as Speaker. He was Majority Leader of the sixth Assembly.

Other elected principal officers are: Deputy Speaker Femi Popoola (Boripe/Boluwaduro), Majority Leader Olanrewaju Maroof (Irewole Isokan) Chief Whip Babatunde Olalekan Olatunji (Ife North), Deputy Majority Leader Adekunle Akande (Olorunda), Deputy Chief Whip Gbenga Ogunkanmi (Ayedire).

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The rest are: Central Senatorial Whip Nasiru Olateju (Irepodun/Orolu), East Senatorial Whip   Babatunde Komolafe (Atakunmosa East/West), West Senatorial Whip Babatunde Ibirogba (Egbedore) and Minority Leader Adewumi Kofoworola (Ede North).

The atmosphere at the inauguration of the Assembly was electrifying.

Traditional rulers, family members, former speakers and lawmakers, party leaders and well -wishers thronged the Assembly complex to witness the ceremony.

Oyetola, who described legislature as critical to good governance, said: “When we work together, looking at the bigger picture, we shall distribute the limited resources equitably.

“When we work as a team, we shall explore creative means of increasing and expanding our internal revenue generation base for the collective good.

“When we put the people first, we shall harness our resources to achieve wealth and prosperity for our people.

“When we work across party divides, we shall collectively build and improve on the award-winning template left behind by our predecessors.

“When we are propelled by collective interest, we shall break new grounds and set our state on an enviable pedestal.

“Honourable members, the job before us as holders of the people’s mandate is enormous, the challenges are daunting but with collective will, we shall leave the State better than we met it.

“I crave your cooperation and support and invite you to join the Executive to form a veritable team whose intent is quality and equitable service delivery devoid of unhealthy rivalry and needless competition.”