Jumoke Akindele has become the first female speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly.
Akindele, who represents Okitipupa Constituency II, was elected by a majority vote at the state House in Akure on Tuesday morning.
She emerged the speaker after polling 13 votes, defeating two other contestants, who are both men. Oyebo Aladetan from Ilaje Constituency 2 polled 9 votes, wile Soji Akinkuolie had no vote.
Akindele is a lawyer and served as the Chairman of House Committee on Education before the election.
In her acceptance speech, Akindele thanked the Labour Party, the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, and as well as the members of the House and the people of the state. She promised to be diligent, just and committed to the cause of peace, harmony and development of the state.
The election of a new Akindele comes after the demise of the late Speaker, Samuel Adesina in February 2014. Adesina died after protracted battle with cancer of the urinary bladder.