In a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday, 18 out of 26 members of the Ogun State House of Assembly voted to impeach the Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, during a legislative session presided over by Deputy Speaker Mrs. Bolanle Ajayi. The newly appointed Speaker is Oludaisi Elemide, the representative of Odeda State Constituency, who immediately assumed office following Oluomo’s impeachment.
Oluomo, who represented Ifo State Constituency, faced allegations of gross misconduct, including “highhandedness, lack of focus and transparency, financial misappropriation, and pursuance of selfish interests.” The accusations were brought forth by fellow lawmakers who cited concerns about his leadership style.
Addressing journalists, the new Speaker, Elemide, emphasized that Governor Dapo Abiodun played no role in Oluomo’s removal. He stated that the legislative change in leadership was carried out by law-abiding legislators, with 18 members supporting his appointment. Elemide assured the public that the new leadership would collaborate with the governor and stressed that the impeachment was not influenced by external factors.
Mr. Damilola Soneye (APC-Obafemi Owode), speaking to the press, highlighted that the Speaker’s role should be one of equals and not marked by the alleged issues that led to Oluomo’s impeachment. Soneye specified the grounds for the impeachment, citing “high-handedness, lack of focus and transparency, arrogance and poor leadership style, financial misappropriation, and inciting members against themselves.”
Reports indicated that Oluomo was attending the swearing-in of customary court judges at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta when the impeachment proceedings unfolded. Efforts to reach Oluomo for his reaction were unsuccessful.
During the impeachment process, there were reports of shootings by security officers loyal to Oluomo, attempting to thwart the proceedings. The motion for Oluomo’s impeachment was reportedly moved by Adegoke Adeyanju Awoso (APC-Yewa North 1) and seconded by Mr. Ademola Adeniran, another APC lawmaker representing Sagamu Constituency II.
It’s worth noting that Oluomo is currently facing trial over alleged financial misappropriation involving N2 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed 11 counts against Oluomo and three other legislative staff in September 2022, accusing them of conspiracy, forgery, and stealing. Oluomo maintains his innocence, expressing confidence in being vindicated of the fraud charges.
The presence of security officers and police, including Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu, added tension to the situation. Awoso alleged that the police shot at his car’s tire while searching for arms, a claim refuted by the Commissioner of Police, who asserted the police were ensuring law and order.
In response to the unfolding events, the House adjourned its sitting for a week. The Clerk and Deputy Clerk, Mr. Deji Adeyemo and Mrs. Funmilayo Adeyemi, respectively, were present at the plenary session.
