By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Barely five weeks after two lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ondo State House of Assembly defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the remaining two have also dumped the opposition party for the ruling party.
The latest defectors are the former Minority Leader, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, representing Akure South 1 Constituency, and his deputy, Hon. Oluwatoyin Daodu, representing Akoko South West 1 Constituency.
Their letters of resignation were read during Thursday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, at the Assembly complex in Akure.
Welcoming the new members, the Speaker expressed delight over their decision, noting that their defection would further consolidate the APC’s majority in the House.
According to Oguntodu and Daodu, their decision followed extensive consultations with their families, constituents and political leaders, who advised them to join the “winning team,” citing internal crises within the PDP as part of their reasons.
Speaker Oladiji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his “exceptional leadership,” saying the wave of defections reflected growing confidence in the APC both at the state and national levels.
He also lauded Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his impactful governance and urged the new members to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the party and the state.
Meanwhile, during the same sitting, the House deliberated on a motion of urgent public importance regarding the poor state of the Ogbagi-Akoko/Irun-Akoko Road in Akoko North West Local Government Area.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, described the condition of the road as a serious danger to lives and property, while the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Gbegudu Ololade, warned that continued neglect could impede economic activities in the state.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Afe Felix, representing Akoko North West 2 Constituency, lamented that the road had long been abandoned, calling for immediate intervention.
In its resolution, the House urged the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and the Managing Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently rehabilitate the road.
The Assembly also directed its Committee on Works and Infrastructure to liaise with FERMA and report back within a stipulated timeframe.
