By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The member representing Odo-otin State Constituency, Hon. Adewale Egbedun has emerged speaker of the 8th Osun State House of Assembly.
38-year-old Egbedun emerged speaker after being solely nominated at the inaugural seating of the 8th Assembly as proclaimed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The inaugural sitting of the 8th Assembly was presided by the Clerk of the House, Simeone Amusan.
Akinyode Oyewusi representing Ife North State Constituency also emerged Deputy Speaker of the assembly after being solely nominated.
Speaking after the proclamation, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke urged the new speaker and other elected principal officers to work hand in hand with the Executive arm of the government in other to fast rack development.
Adeleke said, “As a former lawmaker, now occupying the executive office, it is my sacred duty to ensure cordial relationships among all arms of government. I will spare no effort in that direction. “
He hinted that the focus of all arms of government should be delivery of good governance and as such the need to deliver public goods to the citizenry of the state
“Since my assumption of office, I adopted an open governance approach. My open door policy was extended to all sections of the society. I have avoided a partisan narrow minded approach to leadership. I assure our new Assembly of a consultative leadership. State matters and direction will be a product of our common deliberation and agreements.
“Our administration has recorded significant milestones in the execution of our five point agenda. We have delivered in the areas of roads, health, digital economy, public service reforms, workers welfare, water and grassroots development. Our approach has been local content, direct labour and value for money within the context of due process.
“I seek the support of this new Assembly for the continuation of our good governance revolution. As critical stakeholders, you are coming in at a time your backup is most required. We hope to fast track the realisation of our five point agenda. That goal is only achievable with a supportive Assembly. The exercise of your power for the people and public good my solicitation.
“This 8th Assembly has a golden opportunity to be a strong partner with us in the task of building a new Osun state. We share common views and visions on how to make Osun great. We are mostly products of the same movement. Our movement is focussed on defeating poverty, expanding development, building prosperity and growing the Osun economy.
“You will find in the executive arm a cooperative partner. We must both unite to ensure a harmonious relationship to guarantee a greater Osun State.
“It is provided in Section 105 Subsection 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, that the person elected as Governor of a State shall have powers to issue a Proclamation for the holding of the First Session of the House of Assembly of the State concerned immediately after his being sworn in.
“Now, therefore, I, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of powers bestowed upon me by Section 105 Subsection 3 aforesaid, and of all powers enabling me in that behalf, hereby proclaim that the First Session of the Eighth (8th) Assembly of Osun State House of Assembly shall hold today Tuesday, 6th June, 2023,” he said.
In his acceptance speech Rt Hon. Adewale Egbedun assured the House leadership and members that he will run a consultative, responsive and transparent a legislative business.
Egbedun said, “I assure the only lone opposition member of this House, that you are not alone. Under our leadership, you will enjoy all due privileges as I am of the strong view that this House is for all persuasions without discrimination of whatever sorts.”
He commended the Governor and the party leadership in the state their support in ensuring that the process of his emergence is successful.
“The 8th Assembly is proud to be coming into existence under a Governor who was once a Legislator and deeply understands what it means to be a Lawmaker. Osun State is set for an era of partnership among arms of government which is targeted at transforming Osun into a new century.
“We are aware that the Governor has finalized certain draft bills to drive his development agenda. We are desirous of fast tracking these efforts of the Governor so that Osun people can benefit from the growing foreign direct investment in the concerned sectors.
“I also use this opportunity to announce that our leadership will collate and review all last minute bills passed and assented by the outgoing administration. We have reports and records of many bills assented into laws which contain obnoxious provisions and clauses that may not be in the best interest of the state. I therefore direct the Clerk of the House to furnish my office with all bills passed and assented to between August to November 2022.”
He disclosed that Legislature is what makes a difference between the military and democracy. We are the people’s representatives; this is the hallowed chamber of the people.
“Our job is made easy and our task is lessened because we have an Executive that is overwhelmingly pro-people and we will key into this template that is clearly acceptable and satisfactory to the people of Osun State. I charge us to join hands in the building of a new Osun State.”
Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun is a first timer in the legislative chamber of Osun State House of Assembly.