The Oyo State Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, is poised to suspend 11 lawmakers accused of disloyalty and defying directives from both the House leadership and Governor Seyi Makinde.
The lawmakers facing suspension are Olorunpoto Oluwafemi Cephas (Oyo East/Oyo West), Olufunke Comforter (Ibadan North I), Abiodun Babalola (Ibadan Northeast I), Waheed Akintayo (Oluyole), Bisi Oluranti Micheal (Ogbomoso North), Ibraheem Shittu (Saki West), Abdulazeez Musbau (Kajola), Jimoh Lukman (Oorelope), Ayinde Waliu (Irepo/Olorunsogo), Olajide Operinde (Afijio), and Dauda Olalere (Ibadan North West). Most of these lawmakers are first-timers in the Assembly and have been branded as rebels by their colleagues.
Sources indicate that Governor Makinde backs the House leadership’s decision to suspend these lawmakers, seeing it as a necessary step to maintain order and discipline within the Assembly. The conflict reportedly escalated when the lawmakers submitted a petition to the governor, accusing Speaker Ogundoyin of mismanaging their Sallah gifts and funds from the executive.
The petition alleges that Ogundoyin was insincere regarding the procurement of their official cars. Instead of buying the approved 2023 model brand new cars, he allegedly negotiated for foreign-used 2022 models from unauthorized dealers.
The lawmakers demanded that the speaker patronize recognized automobile dealers like Elizade Motors. They also accused Ogundoyin of withholding Sallah funds supposedly released by the governor, though it was later clarified that no such funds were provided by Governor Makinde.
Governor Makinde’s decision to remain aloof from the Assembly’s internal issues has seemingly empowered Speaker Ogundoyin to take this bold step. The speaker is expected to proceed with suspending the dissenting lawmakers soon.
