ONDO ASSEMBLY ELECTS NEW SPEAKER AS CRISIS DEEPENS

Dr. Olusegun Mimiko
The crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly caused by Thursday's removal of its former Speaker, Mr. Taofeek Abdusalam, by a faction of the 26-member legislature deepened on Friday as Abdusalam vowed to resume work as the Speaker next week.

He has, therefore, directed his colleagues to disregard the decision of his successor, Mr. Samuel Adeshina, to adjourn sitting sine die (indefinitely).

Abdusalam said the new speaker and his supporters could go ahead and parade themselves, but as far as other 11 members were concerned, there was no change in the leadership of the Assembly.

This, was however, coming at a time the security details attached to him were withdrawn.

But the new leadership of the House led by Adeshina insisted on Friday that Abdusalam's tenure had ended with his impeachment and that of his deputy, Mr. Mayowa Akinfolarin on Thursday.

Adesina who held a meeting with Heads of Departments and Staff of the Assembly said 18 members signed to impeach Abdusalam and his deputy.

He said three members including Fatai Adams, Asake Olubimtan and Yemi Tadema only withdrew after Adams was not elected the Speaker.