The Majority leader of Ekiti Assembly Gboyega Aribisogan has been elected the new Speaker following the demise of the late occupant, Funminyi Afuye.
Afuye, who represented Ikere Constituency 1, died after he suffered a cardiac arrest on October 19 at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. He was interred last Friday in his country home, Ikere-Ekiti.
Aribisogan, who hails from Ijesha-Isu in Ikole Council Area, defeated his only challenger for the number one legislative seat, Chief Bunmi Adelugba representing Emure constituency.
The election was keenly contested with the new Speaker garnering 15 votes to defeat Adelugba who scored 10 scores.
Aribisogan was nominated by Hon Tajudeen Akingbolu, Ekiti West 1 and seconded by Hon Adegoke Olajide, Efon Constituency while Hon Bode Adeoye Oyekola, Ekiti West 2 nominated Hon Olubunmi Adelugba and was seconded by Hon Ojo Martin, Ijero constituency.
Adelugba is believed to be the preferred candidate of former Governor Kayode Fayemi while Aribisogan was the choice of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and some aggrieved lawmakers who were denied return tickets.