Ondo Assembly confirms Adelami as new Deputy Governor

The Ondo State House of Assembly screened and confirmed Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State on Thursday.

Adelami’s appearance at the Assembly followed a letter of nomination forwarded by the state governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, requesting Adelami’s confirmation as his deputy.

Adelami will replace Ayedatiwa, who was the deputy governor of the state until his inauguration as the state governor, following the sudden death of the former state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

The newly confirmed deputy governor, who hails from Owo, was a former Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly and a former governorship aspirant of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2020 governorship election.

Adelami was confirmed at the plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, who stated that the confirmation was sequel to the submission of the deputy governor nominees to the house.

He mentioned that the house considered the nominee following the submission of a report by the House Committee on Selection, chaired by the Speaker, Hon. Olamide Oladiji.

During the plenary, the Clerk of the House, Jaiyeola Benjamin, read the letter sent to the House by the State Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, for the consideration of the nominees for the vacant position of a Deputy Governor.

While submitting the report, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, recommended the confirmation of the appointment of the nominees, affirming that they had been properly screened.

Akinruntan mentioned that the nominee responded to all questions raised by the Committee in a very eloquent and explicit manner, stating that Adelami has a clear understanding of what the position entails.

According to Akinruntan, the nominee possesses the required academic qualifications and is physically, mentally, and emotionally stable and fit to accomplish the task. He also noted that Adelami has the required experience, charisma, and the much-needed exposure to function effectively.

The Majority leader of the House, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, moved the motion for the report to be considered, and the nominees be confirmed, which was seconded by Felix Afe representing Akoko North West 2.

The Speaker, Oladiji, who ruled for the confirmation, congratulated the Deputy Governor designate, urging him to put in his best and pledged the house’s support to the executive for the people to enjoy more democracy dividends.

In his brief speech, Adelami appreciated Governor Ayedatiwa for finding him worthy out of millions of competent people in the state and the trust bestowed on him to serve Ondo and humanity as deputy governor.

Adelami promised not to betray his emotions and confidence reposed in him and vowed to carry out his duties as stipulated and required by the Constitution.

He also appreciated the lawmakers for the efforts they have put in place during the screening and confirmation, noting that promoting understanding between arms of government will be his priority.

Adelami was born over six decades ago to the family of Oluka Oribokun by Pa and Mrs Amos Adelami.

He graduated from the prestigious Imade College in Owo before proceeding to the Polytechnic, Ibadan, for his GCE A level and the University of Lagos for his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He further obtained an MBA degree from Ogun State University.

He was the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly until his retirement in April 2018.