Fayemi’s Strong Ally, Aribisoye Becomes New Speaker of Ekiti House of Assembly

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJune 6, 2023

1 minute read

The Ekiti State House of Assembly has elected Hon. Stephen Adeoye Aribisoye, the lawmaker representing Ikole Constituency II, as its new Speaker for the seventh Assembly.

Aribisoye, who is an ally of former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi, emerged as the Speaker on Tuesday after Governor Biodun Oyebanji inaugurated the 26-member Assembly.

The House also chose Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju Egbeyemi, the daughter of the former Deputy Governor of the state and the lawmaker representing Ado Ekiti Constituency II, as its Deputy Speaker.

Other principal officers elected by the House are:

Majority Leader — Hon. Tolu Ige
Chief Whip — Hon. Bose Olowokere
Deputy Majority Leader — Hon. Yomi Ayorinde
Deputy Chief Whip — Alhaja Mariam Ogunlade
Minority Leader — Hon. Dele Ogunsakin

In his acceptance speech, Aribisoye thanked God for the privilege to serve Ekiti State and his colleagues for their confidence in him.

He pledged to work with other arms of government to move the state forward and uphold the principles of democracy and good governance.

He also promised to ensure that the House performs its legislative duties effectively and efficiently.

“I am fully prepared for the assignment given to me. Though it may be daunting, it is surmountable. We are fully prepared to make laws that will bring about development in our dear state. Laws that will bring about meaningful impact to the lives of the people of Ekiti State will be passed during our tenure.”

The speaker said that the seventh assembly was prepared to work harmoniously with the Executive and Judiciary “to ensure that Ekiti people enjoy the dividends of democracy.

“We are prepared to join hands with all Ekiti stakeholders to take our state to the Eldorado that we desire.

“We are ready to work for the betterment of the citizens of this state. We are ready to be futuristic in our approach. We are ready to work to perform our major role in lawmaking representation and oversight and these we will do with good faith and with our zeal and vigour We are ready to render selfless service to our dear state,” he added.