The former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, has declined an appointment as a Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abass.
The decision came to light through a letter dated 5th November, 2023, addressed to the Speaker, in which Alarape expressed his reservations about the process leading up to the appointment.
In his letter, Alarape highlighted his disappointment in the lack of prior consultation or official communication before the news of his appointment went viral on social media platforms. He emphasized that his expectations for a more significant role within the political landscape, considering his status as a prominent figure and devoted member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were not met with this particular appointment.
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The appointment in question raised questions among political observers, as Alarape boasts an illustrious career, having served as the Speaker of the Oyo House of Assembly from 1999 to 2023, and later as the minority leader from 2019 to 2023. Some have opined that this appointment might be construed as a demotion, given the significant positions he has held throughout his political journey.
Despite declining the appointment, Alarape expressed his gratitude to well-wishers, particularly acknowledging the support and consideration extended to him by the lawmaker representing Oyo
federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi.
The letter reads in part:
“May I respectfully convey with constraint my declination of the appointment in line with paragraph 4 of the letter which I have not received but has enjoy generous circulation on social media without my consent or prompting.
“Mr. Speaker, I thank you very sincerely for considering me worthy of appointment and my brother Hon Akeem Adeyemi for his confidence in me culminating into this.
“However, I have been and still expecting a reward for my steadfastness and unalloyed support for my great Party All Progressive Congress (APC) not only as a candidate during the 2023 general elections and particularly as a committed party member.
“I thank numerous well-wishers across political divide who expressed their joy on social media through messages, calls and private visit. I assure you all that this decision is taken in good faith.
“Finally, Mr. Speaker, I wish you the very best of your heart desire, a peaceful and successful tenure. Accept the assurances of my highest esteem and regards.”
