Immediately after the demise of the late speaker of the oyo state house of assembly, Rt. Hon. Micheal Adeyemo, permutations started on who shall replace the deceased speaker as the representative of the people of Ibarapa east state constituency and the APC bigwig in the state thought they should maintain political dominance of the zone and also reward the loyalty of the late speaker to the incumbent governor of the state.
Without much ado, the biological brother to the late speaker was chosen to contest under the APC platform and the race to win against all odds so as to maintain political dominance in the region began.
The PDP wing in the Ibarapa east state constituency too had chosen Adebo Ogundoyin, a fine gentleman, who today is holding an ace of excellence as the youngest and most active speaker in Nigeria’s history today to wrestle the baton of leadership with Olukunle Adeyemo, the preferred candidate of the APC.
The bye-election that made Honourable Adebo the first timer in the Oyo state house of assembly, with a taste of leadership for barely 10 months will go on to showcase him to fellow house members and constituents as someone that can be trusted with the will of the people. He carried his people along, identifying himself with the rural segment of his constituency, Adebo launched rural development initiatives that foster peace among the youths and also lay foundation to Primary Health Care projects in neighbouring villages in his community hence, getting the ticket of his party, PDP was a smooth ride based on his clean record as a man of honourable pedigree and untainted personality.
Following the declaration of his success at the poll and the success of his political party as the ruling government of Oyo state, Adebo did not waste time in declaring his intention to run for the exalted legislative position in the state. Being a newbie in the legislative history of the state and as young man at 32, while others see insurmountable challenges, he sees how he can put his human management skill and humility to test and he did not mind slugging it out with honourable members that have been in the house since the return of democracy.
The youth ambassador in Nigeria, as being described by lovers across Nigeria was able to win the seat of the state speaker through a consensus vote of all the law makers in the Oyo state house of assembly irrespective of their political divides, a victory that has not been enjoyed by any lawmaker of his calibre in the history of the country.
Immediately after his declaration as the leader of the house, he understands that it is “cooperation that makes rice full pot” and his inauguration speech, he charged all lawmakers to work together in unison and with the executive arm of government to ensure the state attains an enviable height.
In his words, “I believe with the continuous support and cooperation of all other lawmakers in the house, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde and his cabinet, our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the people of Oyo State, we are going to make laws and formulate policies that will alleviate our people’s suffering and make them proud of us”. Adebo understands that work has begun and without much ado, identified himself with all stakeholders that can make governance work in the pace setter state.
As an Agronomist of class who understands the effect of government policy on an agrarian state like Oyo state, the Oyo state house of Assembly was quick to pass a bill recommending the establishment of Agribusiness Development Agency(OYSADA) and its eventual signing into law by the governor was ensured.
The speaker noted that “The overall goal of the agency is to attract both local and foreign agro-investment, which will encourage efficient agricultural production and improve the income and standard of living of rural families in the state.
Without forgetting his larger constituency, not-too-young-to-run, Right honourable Adebo Ogundoyin reminded the Nigerian youths of the need to be focused ahead of the 2023 election so as to build a formidable structure on the foundation some comrades have laid regarding the popular not-too-young-to-run bill.
Supporting education as part of the major focus of the ruling government in the state, The speaker supported 50 prospective undergraduates in Ibarapa east in obtaining the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board’s examination form. The speaker believes that quality education is the foundation of success of the poor and that no meaningful contribution can be made in developing world except education of the populace is given massive support and needed attention hence the 9th assembly led by him has been supporting the policies of the executive arm of government in the educational sector.
While the passage of anti-open grazing bill has caused a lot of problems and multifaceted challenges in other southwest states, the Oyo state house of assembly led by Adebo Ogundoyin passed the prohibition of the open-grazing bill without rancour, following the house meeting with stakeholders in the issues concerned.
The house led by the speaker identified the need to ensure people oriented legislation and hence it brings the human side to every legislation proposed.
While responding to the unstable condition COVID-19 has put the global economy and to prevent the effect of the pandemic on the salary of workers in the state, the house led by Adebo Ogundoyin agreed to a 30 percent deduction in salaries and allowances
While many have the opinion that leading the assembly may not be a smooth ride for the youngest speaker in Nigeria, Adebo made it known to all that leadership is by action, not by words nor age and he surprises all with the he handles matter that are dicey with more experienced parliamentarians.
Counting the blessings of this young man wearing a big hat as he clocks a year as the speaker, it is safe for one to conclude that the speaker is on a rollercoaster of remarkable legislation in the history of Oyo state and that Adebo is rising as he keeps rising.
Hammed Jimoh is a freelance development journalist and can be reached via jimohhammed36@outlook.com
