Former Ondo deputy Speaker, Nine others make U-turn, dump Agboola Ajayi

…arrive Owo for truce with Akeredolu

Lawmakers loyal to the embattled former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi have turned their back to the candidate of ZLP in the last governorship election, with a move to call a truce with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state.

It will be recalled that eleven lawmakers dissociated themselves from impeachment bid of Agboola last year which subsequently led to the removal of Iroju Ogundeji as the deputy speaker of the House of assembly.

The lawmakers present in Owo are Iroju Ogundeji, Jamiu Maito, Rasheed Elegbeleye, Tomide Akinribido, Samuel Ademola, Festus Akingbaso, Adewale Adewinle, and Torhukerhijo.

It was gathered that the lawmakers led by Ogundeji have arrived Owo,the home town of Akeredolu to have a meeting with the governor and to seek payment of entitlements as well as plead for pardon.

It was also gathered that they were the first to arrive Owo ahead of the meeting with Akeredolu.

Only Favour Tomemowo is absent among the lawmakers in Owo,even those pro Akeredolu lawmakers are yet to arrive Owo for the meeting.

It was learnt that their move was against the advice of their Principal, Ajayi.

A source close to the former deputy governor lamented the twist in their steps and expressed dismay that they went to meet Aketi against Ajayi’s counsel.

He described them as disappointments to the struggle.

Meanwhile, one of the Pro Ajayi lawmakers who claimed anonymity described as untrue that they came to Owo for a truce.

The lawmaker said “We all received a message inviting us for a meeting in Owo with governor Akeredolu.

He forwarded a message to Roving reporters and it reads thus :

“ REMINDER:
Mr Governor request to meet with 26 members of the ODHA today Sun 07th March 2021 @Aketi House,Owo by 4pm.

The meeting is slated to ensure smooth & cordial relationship btw the Executive & Legislative arm for his 2nd term & house welfare. Pls attend. We leave from Speakers lodge 3pm. ”

He said “ So you can see that we didn’t go to beg him .”

Efforts to get the reaction of the former deputy speaker, Iroju were unsuccessful as his phone number was not reachable as of the time of filing this reports.