ABEOKUTA – The Apena of Egbaland and father of former Speaker, federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, High Chief Suarau Alani Bankole, has cautioned the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide not to perceive the state Governor as his superior.
Chief Bankole emphasized that the Speaker’s loyalty lies with his fellow lawmakers.
Chief Bankole gave the advice during a courtesy visit by the Speaker and Assembly members to the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo, where Chief Bankole commended the Assembly for a peaceful leadership transition and underscored the importance of unity among its members.
He said, “Let me congratulate you members for making the change very smooth.
“There are states that changed their leadership and for weeks, sometimes months, there will be no peace. I would like to advise that you should make sure you keep this unity because it is very important.
“You are the most important aspect of the Federal System of government but the type of politics we play here have reduced you to something different.
“You are the ones to ensure effective supervision by way of checks and balances.”
Directing his remarks to the Speaker, Chief Bankole reiterated, “Mr. Speaker, I would like to advise you seriously. These are your bosses (pointing to the Assembly members). The Governor is not your boss.
“That is the truth. The Governor cannot put you on that seat, they did. The Governor cannot remove you, they are the only ones who can, so they are your boss.”
He expressed confidence in the Speaker’s commitment to fulfilling his duties to the Assembly.
In response, the Speaker affirmed Chief Bankole’s position, recalling a previous confrontation with former Governor Ibikunle Amosun over asserting the independence of the legislative branch.
The Speaker reaffirmed, “What Baba Apena said cost me a lot in Odeda.
They told Governor Amosun that I said he was not my boss and it became a tug of war but those who understand democracy will know that the legislature is the bedrock of democracy and it is number one in a democracy.
He reiterated that his colleagues are truly his bosses.”
The Speaker also highlighted his respect for tradition by seeking royal blessings alongside his colleagues during the visit to the Alake of Egbaland.
In his closing remarks, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo, encouraged lawmakers to collaborate harmoniously, emphasizing that true independence among the three arms of government exists largely in theory.
He offered prayers and well-wishes for their endeavors, urging them to foster a spirit of cooperation for effective governance.
