Five Ondo assembly members defect to APC

Five members of the Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday at plenary formally presented their letters of defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The members are the former deputy speaker, Fatai Olotu(Akoko North state constituency); Kuti Towase, Akoko South East; Akinyele Fasogbon, Odigbo; Bimbo Fajolu, Ileoluji/Okeigbo; and Tuyi Akintimehin, Idanre.

They had earlier made public their defection, claiming that they had the backing of their various constituencies to dump the opposition party.

Their notification of defection was received by the Speaker of the House, Bamidele Oloyelogun, who welcomed them to the ruling party.

Their defection brings the number of the APC members in the house to 18, representing two thirds of the 26-member house.

The PDP which had the majority with 21 members, had their number depleted to eight in the last three months when the APC became the ruling party in the state.

The former speaker, Jumoke Akindele, and the former Leader of the House, Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, and six others are still holding on to the PDP despite assurances by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu that more PDP members would soon join the APC.

Meanwhile, the house received full compliments of members in attendance on Tuesday for the first time since the crisis that created a split in the house.

Majority of the PDP factions, led by Mr. Akinsoyinu were in attendance, signalling an end to the crisis in the house.

Although the former speaker, Ms. Akindele, was around the house complex early, she however did not attend the day’s session.

Speaking on the crisis, the speaker noted that resilience of members and their desire to keep the house as united despite the controversies that attended it.

He also singled out Mr. Akinsoyinu for commendation, appreciating him for his presence at the plenary.