- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
It was celebrations galore as Mrs Abe Adejoke Ajimajasan, a woman Councillor, representing Ode Ward 2 emerged the new Leader of the House, as Ayekire LGA/Gbonyin LCDA inaugurate Councillors in Ekiti state.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Aiyekire council secretariat, Ode-Ekiti, where the council Legislative Officer, performed the ceremonial Oath-taking on the eleven councillors.
Adejoke was elected unopposed, to steer the affairs of the legislative arm of the council, as pronounced during the inauguration.
The new council leader took over the activities of the hallowed chamber, and immediately ordered nominations for other principal officers.
In the process, Hon. Afeni Adebayo Joshua from Aisegba Ward 2 was unanimously made the Deputy Leader while Hon. Olaiya Sesan (Agbado Ward), and Hon. Olokunlade Samson Taiwo (Iluomoba Ward),emerged Majority Leader and Chief Whip respectively.
Also elected were, Hon. Ibitoye Rotimi Ojo (Isinbode Ward) and Hon. Adeola Timilehin, (Ode Ward 1) as Deputy Chief Whip and Deputy Majority Leader respectively.
Also elected into various offices were Hon. Jegede Babatunde (Ijan Ward), Hon. Akinola Damilola (Aisegba Ward 1), Hon. Osanyingbuaro Kayode (Ode Ward 3), Hon. Ajayi Oluwayemisi (Imesi Ward), Hon. Awoniyi Jacob (Egbe-Iro Ward).
Congratulating the councillors, the Aiyekire council chairman, Hon. Davies Adeyemo, described the new dispensation as a new journey of good governance.
He charged them to see their election as a call to service, and urged them not to allow their new status to becloud their sense of responsibility and commitment to the course of the people, and the development of their various communities.
Chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC) in the State, Chief Paul Omotoso, explained that the functions of the lawmaking arm, cannot be overemphasised in grassroots governance.
He urged them to incorporate all and sundry, in their respective wards, and effectively bridge the gap between the government and their constituents.
He also advised them to reciprocate the good work of Gov.Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, by making themselves accessible to residents, and also give their Chairmen, total support, in order to usher in rapid development of the council areas.
In his own remark ,the Executive chairman of Gbonyin Local Council Development Area,Hon Oluwadamilare Ajayi urged the new councillors to give their best, in delivering their legislative duties, emphasising that the success of the administration would be determined by their legislative input.
He said: “I also wish to charge you the honourable councillors, to put services above self, and work hand-in-hand with other arms, in achieving a common goal that will lay lasting legacies in our society.”
Speaking on behalf of the lawmaking arm, in her speech, Hon. Adejoke, appreciated the council chairmen, management team, party leaders , immediate past legislative members and residents in the council area, for their support.
She pledged that the legislative arm under her leadership, would work hand-in-hand with the chairmen to achieve greater Aiyekire / Gbonyin LCDA, for the benefits of all residents.
Also in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony, were the State House of Assembly Member, Representing Aiyekire/Gbonyin Constituency , Hon. Teju Okuyiga , Gbonyin LCDA Chairman, Hon. Damilare Ajayi, and Aiyekire /Gbonyin LCDA Vice Chairmen.
Others were the Secretaries, the management team of the Aiyekire /Gbonyin LCDA council area, the LGA APC Party Chairman, the immediate past Legislative members of the Council, party leaders, family members, security personnel, and religious leaders, among others.
