The Oyo State Assembly, under the leadership of 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 expected to face 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) and Dauda Olalere (Ibadan North West).
Sources indicated that Governor Makinde supported 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 to our correspondent anonymously that the conflict escalated after the lawmakers submitted a petition to the governor, accusing Ogundoyin of mismanaging their Sallah gifts from the executive.
The new lawmakers felt marginalised and claimed they were fighting for their rights.
In their petition, the lawmakers accused 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 unauthorised 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 the state Assembly issues has seemingly empowered Speaker Ogundoyin.
As of the time of filing this report, the speaker is expected to proceed with suspending the alleged dissenting lawmakers.
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