OGUNDOYIN: UNVEILING A PROMISING YOUNG LEADER IN OYO STATE

Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin is the speaker of the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly. This is the 32-member House of Assembly with twenty six (26) members of the Ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP); five members (5) of All Progressive Congress (APC) and one member of Action Democratic Party (ADP). Three out of the 32 members of House are returning lawmakers among whom is the Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin from Ibarapa East Constituency, who emerged as the speaker unopposed with an unanimous voice vote of all the members of the House.

By all standards, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin is a promising young and talented leader with ambition for political excellence. He is currently the brightest mind that leads his fellow lawmakers with brilliant initiatives and fantastic policies and decisions with the democratic sense of leadership where he brings to the forefront opinions of others which he duly respects. Ogundoyin’s age is 32 years and emerging as a speaker among the 32 members in which he is one of them remains a mystery of leadership in Oyo State. The No 3 person in Oyo State is a star among his people. Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin is Agronomist and a graduate of Babcock University. He is the son of the late philanthropist and industrialist, Chief Adesegun Ogundoyin. The 32-year old promising young man is head of the parliament in the Nigeria’s Southwest State.

The speech Ogundoyin delivered at his swearing in which held everyone spellbound would go down the memory lane as one of the best to ever be said by a lawmaker. Excerpts below testify to it: “Our state sets the pace of the new generation leaders by electing me as the youngest speaker in the history of the state and Nigeria. Politically, Oyo State has always set the pace for good things in Nigeria, and I promise, we the 9th Assembly will raise the bar of quality representation of the people. I need your support, cooperation, and advice on how to move the House forward and you are free to call me to order when I am about to drift. Our dream is to make Oyo State House of Assembly a model to others across Nigeria. 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 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the people of Oyo State, we are going to make laws and formulate policies that will alleviate our people from suffering and make them proud of us”

The speaker of the Assembly directs all activities of the House and its committees and presides over the proceedings of the House under the Oyo State House of Assembly Rules of Procedure and without prejudice, the functions of the speaker include: (a) Opening, suspending and closing sitting; (b) ensuring observance of the house rules and procedure; (c) maintaining order in the house (d) calling upon members to participate in the proceedings (e) closing debates (f) putting matters to vote and announcing the results of votes; and (g) referring to committees and business that concern them.

Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin’s roles are not different from the above. As the presiding officer of the House, who is the person of highest legislative authority, his responsibility for controlling the floor of the House businesses and acts as “reforce during debates is gaining applause. His importance of this role in ensuring proper working of the House cannot be overemphasized. Ogundoyin’s legislative stance as a speaker especially during escorts into the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms carrying the mace, while he walks behind is awesome. His traditional robes and court attire help to emphasize his neutrality, while the mace is a symbol of his “speakership” authority in the House. He is simply doing his best at ensuring that the rules of the House for conducting its business are followed and that all members of the House have an opportunity to take part in debates. Balancing the right of the majority to conduct business with the right of the minority to be heard, is one of the speaker’s most difficult tasks, yet Rt. Hon. Ogundele ensures this is strictly adhered to. Because it is essential that the speaker be seen to be above party politics, he maintains the sanctity of his office by not taking part in debate or votes unless there is a tie. All remarks made in the House must be addressed to the speaker, as the law stipulates, as no members may stand when the speaker is standing.

Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin’s decorum and impeccable character is best seen at directing a member who makes discourteous remarks or who has used language not permitted by the rules, to withdraw the remarks in question. As an administrator of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin is vested with the responsibility in overseeing a range of services financial administrative, legal and informational in Oyo State House of Assembly. He acts in his capacity as a speaker, to chair the board of the Internal Economy, a committee on which both government and opposition parties are represented. As an official representative of the House, his representations on all ceremonial and formal occasions including, dealings with the executives and other parliaments and legislatures cannot be overemphasized. While listening to concerns of his constituents and adequately representing them, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin is sympathetic, firm and honest at all times.

Views: 37