The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday elected its first female Speaker, Jumoke Akindele, to fill the gap created by death of the former Speaker, Samuel Adesina.

Adesina died on February 25 after an ailment.

The election which took place at the chamber of the House was contested by Soji Akinkurolere, Oyebo Aladeitan and Jumoke Akindele.

At the end of the voting, Akindele pulled 13 votes, Aladeitan 9, while Akinkurolere got no vote. All the three contestants are from the Southern Senatorial District, which produced the late speaker.

The House, which was presided over by the deputy speaker, Dare Emiola, representing Akoko South-West Constituency 1, declared Akindele, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, the winner.

Earlier, the motion for the election of a speaker was moved by the majority leader, Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, representing Ondo West Constituency 2.

It was seconded by Olujuyigbe Adekunle, representing Akure South Constituency 2.

Akindele, who could not control her emotion burst into tears, saying she was overwhelmed for being the first female Speaker of the state.

According to her, she will adopt a leadership style that will be transparent, accountable, fair, accommodating and loyal.

She expressed appreciation to the entire women folk, beginning with the governor’s wife, Kemi Mimiko, market women and all women in other profession.

She immediately dissolved all ad-hoc and standing committees and directed the members of such committees to hand over official items belonging to the assembly to the clerk within 24 hours.