From Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin

A member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Patrick Osayimen (APC Oredo East) was walked out of the chamber for what the Speaker of the House referred to as improper dressing.

The lawmaker who appeared on the floor of the House in traditional attire, was prevented from taking part in Monday’s plenary as the Majority Leader of the House, Philip Shuaibu (APC Etsako west 2 ), challenged him for wearing traditional beads to the chamber.

Shuaibu argued that while it was proper that lawmakers project the cultural heritage of the people, the lawmaker was however not supposed to come to the hallowed chambers in beads.

In defending his appearance, Osayimen argued that there was nothing unusual about his dress as “a typical Benin man representing Oredo people in Edo, the heartbeat of Nigeria.”

However, when the Speaker, Uyigue Igbe, put the matter to vote, majority of the lawmakers showed disapproval for his dressing and that ultimately sent his home.

It is not the first time that the legislature’s dressing had raised eyebrows in the Assembly.
It would be recalled that at a special session held late last year to enable Governor Adams Oshiomole to present the 2014 Appropriation Bill, Shuaibu had also raised concerns over Osayimen’s dressing.