Deputy Speaker, chief whip removed for ‘disloyalty’

Adewumi and Akinniyi were removed at yesterday’s plenary in Ado-Ekiti, the capital. Adewumi represents Ekiti West Constituency I; Akinniyi represents Ikere Constituency II. Although the Assembly hinged their removal on alleged gross misconduct, The Nation gathered they were sacked for alleged disloyalty to Governor Ayo Fayose. Adewumi was replaced by the lawmaker representing Ekiti West Constituency II, Adesina Animasaun. Akinniyi was replaced by the lawmaker representing Ekiti Southwest Constituency I, Wale Onigiobi. Adewumi was suspended last year by the Assembly for allegedly “associating with enemies of Fayose and Ekiti State government”. He was also accused of meeting with the senator representing Ogun East, Prince Buruji Kashamu, and the House Minority leader, Gboyega Aribisogan. But Adewumi, who denied the allegation, had his suspension lifted after some party leaders met Fayose. Akinniyi was accused of being a loyalist of a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Dayo Adeyeye, as against his kinsman and Fayose’s preferred successor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola. Adewumi was also accused of “several acts of misconduct, personal conduct likely to bring the Assembly to disrepute and obvious threat to peace of members”. He was said to have obstructed functions of the Assembly, and abandoned his responsibilities, among others Efforts to speak with Adewumi were unsuccessful yesterday as calls to his phones were unanswered. He also did not reply to text messages. House Committee Chairman on Information Samuel Omotoso said Adewumi was removed at plenary with a division list signed by two-thirds members, as required by law. Omotoso, who represents Oye Constituency I, said the lawmakers mandated the Clerk to ensure that Adewumi handed over the property of the Assembly in his possession. The lawmaker added that the Assembly considered the unopposed nomination of Animasaun, who was unanimously elected by the Assembly as the deputy Speaker. Animasaun, from Okemesi Ekiti, is a 1991 graduate of Biochemistry from the Ekiti State University (EKSU). He is a Chartered Advert Practitioner and a Public Relations Consultant with several years of Experience in Public and Political Administration.]]>