In a dramatic turn of events, the 7th Osun State House of
Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker
Timothy Owoeye from the All
Progressives Congress (APC), is coming to an abrupt end. Governor Ademola
Adeleke has announced the proclamation of the 8th Assembly, signaling a
significant shift in power dynamics.
The 8th Assembly will not be led by the APC, as the party’s
performance in the last state assembly elections was abysmal. All the seats in
the assembly were won by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), except
for the Boripe/Boluwaduro State Constituency seat, which was retained by the
APC.
The downfall of the APC in the state began in 2022 when a
crisis erupted within the 7th assembly. The crisis was centered around a
Christmas largess, which nearly resulted in the impeachment of Speaker Owoeye.
However, the matter was eventually resolved, albeit leaving a lingering sense
of discontent among lawmakers.
Last week, the lawmakers held a brief meeting to conclude
their tenure, devoid of any celebration. It was a quiet and uneventful affair,
marking the end of the 7th Assembly’s tenure.
Governor Adeleke, following the conclusion of the 7th Assembly,
signed and sent a letter to the Clerk of the house, officially dissolving it.
Additionally, the governor issued a proclamation order for the 8th Assembly,
signaling the beginning of a new legislative era.
In his letter titled “DISSOLUTION OF THE 7TH ASSEMBLY OF
OSUN STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY,” Governor Adeleke invoked Section 105,
sub-section 3 of the Nigerian constitution to justify the dissolution. The
letter stated that according to Section 105 Subsection 1 of the Constitution of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, a House of Assembly shall
stand dissolved at the expiration of a period of four years from the date of
its first sitting. Hence, the governor exercised his powers under Section 105
Subsection 3 to dissolve the 7th Assembly with immediate effect.
The proclamation order for the 8th Assembly, contained in a
separate letter titled “PROCLAMATION FOR THE HOLDING OF THE FIRST SESSION
OF THE 8TH ASSEMBLY OF OSUN STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY,” outlined the
governor’s authority to issue a proclamation for the holding of the First
Session of the House of Assembly. The letter stated that as per Section 105
Subsection 3 of the Constitution, the newly elected Governor has the power to
issue such a proclamation immediately after being sworn in. Therefore, Governor
Adeleke, in the exercise of his powers, proclaimed that the First Session of
the Eighth (8th) Assembly of Osun State House of Assembly would convene on
Tuesday, 6th June 2019, at 10 am in the Osun State House of Assembly.
With the 7th Assembly dissolved and the 8th Assembly about to
commence, the political landscape of Osun State is poised for a significant
shift in power and legislative direction. As the new assembly prepares to
convene, all eyes are on the emerging dynamics and the challenges that lie
ahead for the newly elected lawmakers.
