From all corners, senators were heard shouting: “Babalawo, Kabiyesi and masquerade,” when Senator Dino Melaye walked into the Upper Chamber, last Wednesday, for the day’s legislative activities.
Melaye, who is neither a presiding officer nor a principal officer, came into the chamber together with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and principal officers of the Upper Chamber.
Traditionally, the arrival of the Senate President is announced with a shout of “Mr. Senate President,” by the sergeant-at-arms, who is the custodian of the chamber’s symbol of authority, the mace.
With the announcement, all persons in the chamber, including senators, cameramen, clerk of the Senate and his team, journalists and legislative aides are expected to remain standing until the Senate president seats.