In a landmark gathering that blended nostalgia with renewed purpose, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin hosted members of the 8th Oyo State House of Assembly to a dinner in Ibadan, where he formally proclaimed the 8th Oyo Assembly Forum, a platform aimed at fostering unity, welfare, and continued collaboration among past legislators.
The event, attended by over 20 former Oyo State House of Assembly lawmakers of the 8th Assembly, was more than a reunion, it was a reaffirmation of shared values and a commitment to collective progress.
It is worth recalling that the 8th Assembly holds special significance for the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, as it marked the beginning of his legislative journey.
He served as a member during that tenure before ascending to the position of Speaker in the 9th Assembly and now the 10th.
The newly inaugurated forum will serve as a non-partisan body, bringing together former members of the 8th Assembly regardless of their political affiliations.
The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin used the occasion to announce that the present administration will look into the possibility of introducing a comprehensive health insurance program and other support packages for past members.
He also pledged to advocate for pension and gratuity reforms for former legislators at the national level through the Conference of Speakers, aiming to push for constitutional amendments that would secure the rights of past lawmakers.
“With this inauguration and inaugural dinner, I am not only honouring my roots but also laying the foundation for a more connected and empowered legislative community in Oyo State. The 8th Assembly Forum now stands as a symbol of continuity, unity and shared responsibility” Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said
The forum’s executive committee was also unveiled, with Rt. Hon. Gunju Ojo, former Speaker of the 8th Assembly, named as Chairman.
Other officers include Hon. AbdulWasi Musah as Vice-Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola as Organizing Secretary, Hon. Bolaji Badmos as Secretary, and Hon. Fatai Adesina as Treasurer.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Gunju Ojo praised the initiative, saying, “This forum is a timely and noble idea. It reminds us that our service to the people doesn’t end with our tenure. We are a family, and this platform ensures we continue to support one another and contribute meaningfully to the state.”
The gathering paid solemn tribute to four late members of the 8th Assembly: Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo (Ibarapa East), Hon. Kehinde Subair (fmr Majority Leader), Hon. Gideon of Oorelope, and Hon. Jimoh of Ibarapa North and Ibarapa Central.
The forum resolved to meet quarterly in order to continue to strengthen the bond amongst past Oyo State House of Assembly lawmakers
Members also agreed to use the forum as a springboard to integrate other past Oyo State Assembly members, so as to create a broader network of legislative alumni committed to mutual support and institutional development.