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Following his re-election for the third term into the Oyo State Assembly on March 18 2023, incumbent Speaker, Debo Ogundoyin seems to stand a better chance of being re-elected for a second term as Speaker of the Assembly.
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Findings by The Guardian revealed that except Governor Seyi Makinde is opposed to Ogundoyin’s return as Speaker, there is no other political force within and outside the Assembly that can stop him.
Ogundoyin, who represents Ibarapa East Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is said to be one of Makinde’s favorite lawmakers. This is aside the current political zoning arrangement within the PDP in Oyo State favours his return as Speaker.
A member of the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC), who refused to have his name on print, said that the structure of the Oyo Assembly as currently constituted with the PDP controlling 28 members of 32 seats, with the legislators more or less handpicked by Makinde, the incumbent speaker is sure of being returned with Makinde’s support.
Although some observers said that, a lawmaker, Gbenga Oyekola, who represents Atiba Local Council, is also a ranking member, and in a position to contest the speakership seat,
but for exigency reasons, the incumbent speaker could be retained especially for ‘continuity’ factor.
Oyekola is perceived as having more legislative experience than Ogundoyin, but the fact that Ogundoyin has been a speaker gives him an edge.
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