Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers on Monday intervened in the impeachment crisis rocking the state House of Assembly with a view to find peaceful resolution.
The Assembly has been embroiled in crisis over the impeachment of Gboyega Aribisogan, who was elected Speaker on November 15, by some lawmakers on November 21, and the consequent election of Olubunmi Adelugba as Speaker.
Apart from impeachment, the Adelugba-led Assembly suspended Aribisogan indefinitely and as well suspended seven members loyal to him.
The traditional council led by its chairman, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, held a meeting with the two sides in the Assembly crisis with Adelugba and Aribisogan in attendance, sought amicable resolution of the crisis.
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers, recalled how the state was created and appealed to the lawmakers to give peace a chance.
The traditional rulers urged Aribisogan to withdraw the suit he filed to contest his impeachment, while asking the Adelugba-led faction re-absorb the suspended lawmakers.
A source at the meeting said, “The traditional rulers’ position was based on the fact that since APC had earlier preferred Adelugba who now had about 18 of the 25 members on her side, Aribisogan should give peace a chance by withdrawing his case.”
The chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity Committee, Adeoye Aribasoye, said, “We (lawmakers) will go back to the drawing board and resolve amicably among ourselves”.
APC Vice Chairman in Ekiti State, Sola Elesin, who lauded the traditional rulers’ move, assured that the party “will ensure that peace is restored to the House of Assembly”.
Also in a chat, Aribisogan, who praised the monarchs for their intervention, said, “We were at a meeting with obas today (Monday). The Obas appealed to me that, in the interest of peace, I should withdraw the case in court so that the matter can be resolved amicably.
“But I said that I have lawyers and that I would get back after consulting with my lawyers. I told them I could not withdraw.
“It is not as if they compelled me to withdraw. They only advised.”
Meanwhile, one of the seven lawmakers suspended on November 21, Kemi Balogun, has been readmitted to the House.
Aribasoye said that lifting the suspension on Balogun “is consequent upon the consideration of her letter of apology and the fulfillment of other conditions attached to reinstatement.
“Hon. Adekemi Balogun has therefore been readmitted to the House with all her rights and privileges restored,” Aribasoye said.
Adelugba had on Monday last week said that the suspended lawmakers had the opportunity to be pardoned and readmitted if they apologised and repented.
Traditional rulers at the meeting included the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju; Chairman, the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Ajewole; and the Ogoga Of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado.
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