Oyo Assembly Crisis: 11 Lawmakers Face Axe for ‘Disloyalty’ to Speaker, Governor

The Oyo State Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, is reportedly on the brink of suspending 11 lawmakers accused of working against the House leadership and Governor Seyi Makinde’s directives.

The lawmakers facing potential suspension are:
– Olorunpoto Oluwafemi Cephas (Oyo East/Oyo West constituency)
– Olufunke Comforter (Ibadan North constituency I)
– Abiodun Babalola (Ibadan Northeast constituency I)
– Waheed Akintayo (Oluyole constituency)
– Bisi Oluranti Micheal (Ogbomoso North)
– Ibraheem Shittu (Saki West)
– Abdulazeez Musbau (Kajola constituency)
– Jimoh Lukman (Oorelope constituency)
– Ayinde Waliu (Irepo/Olorunsogo constituency)
– Olajide Operinde (Afijio constituency)
– Dauda Olalere (Ibadan North West)

Sources indicate that Governor Makinde supports the House leadership’s decision to suspend these lawmakers, many of whom are first-timers and have been labeled as rebels. The move is seen as an effort to curb dissent within the Assembly.

A source close to the governor revealed that the conflict escalated after the lawmakers submitted a petition to the governor, accusing Speaker Ogundoyin of mismanaging their Sallah gifts from the executive. The new lawmakers felt marginalized and claimed they were fighting for their rights.

In their petition, the lawmakers accused Speaker Ogundoyin of insincerity, specifically regarding the procurement of their official cars. They alleged that instead of purchasing the approved 2023 model brand new cars, Ogundoyin negotiated for foreign-used 2022 models from unauthorized dealers. They demanded that the speaker patronize recognized automobile dealers like Elizade Motors.

Additionally, the lawmakers accused Ogundoyin of withholding Sallah funds that were supposedly released by the governor. However, it was clarified that Governor Makinde did not release any funds for the House of Assembly for Sallah, contradicting the lawmakers’ claims.

The governor’s decision to stay aloof from State Assembly issues has seemingly empowered Speaker Ogundoyin. As of this evening, the speaker is expected to proceed with suspending the alleged dissenting lawmakers.

Excerpt from Westerndailynews.com