In a significant political shift, two Ondo State House of Assembly members, Felix Afe and Tope Agbulu, elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday. Afe represents Akoko North-West 2, while Agbulu represents Akoko South-West 2.
Their resignation letters were presented during the plenary session by the Assembly Clerk, Mr. Benjamin Jayeola.
The lawmakers attributed their decision to irreconcilable differences within the state’s PDP.
Afe emphasized that he consulted extensively with his constituents and key stakeholders before making the move, stating, “The APC provides a better platform to deliver more democratic dividends to my constituency.”
Similarly, Agbulu expressed gratitude to the PDP for past support but noted, “The APC is the most viable platform to serve my constituents effectively.”
With this defection, the APC now holds 24 of the 26 seats in the Ondo State House of Assembly, leaving the PDP with only two members, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
In a separate development, the Assembly urged the state executive council to implement the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for its staff, following a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ondo State Chapter. Majority Leader Mr. Olatunji Oshati (Ose/APC) highlighted the issue’s public importance, saying, “The non-implementation of CONLESS is a matter of public interest, and the legislative arm has taken it upon itself to intervene.”
He noted that other South-West states have already adopted the salary structure and appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to address the staff’s demands.
Speaker Chief Olamide Oladiji also called for calm, urging staff to avoid confrontation and embrace dialogue.
“We commend the patience of the staff and assure them that the Assembly’s leadership will engage the governor for a resolution,” Oladiji stated, adding that implementing CONLESS would enhance staff capacity and efficiency.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to protecting its staff’s interests.
