Ondo State Deputy Governor’s Impeachment
A recent turn of events has unveiled the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the Ondo State House of Assembly’s move to impeach the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, met with a delegation from the Ondo Assembly, led by Speaker Oladiji Olamide, aiming to halt the impeachment process temporarily in favour of a political solution.
However, it appears that one of the critical conditions discussed in the meeting was for Aiyedatiwa to withdraw various court cases he had filed to impede the impeachment process. The assembly continued with its impeachment proceedings when it received no indication that Aiyedatiwa had withdrawn these legal challenges.
On October 23, Speaker Oladiji penned a letter to the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, urging the constitution of a panel to investigate allegations raised against Aiyedatiwa as per Section 188(5) of the Nigerian Constitution. The speaker also highlighted that the restraining order from an Abuja High Court had lapsed based on specific provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules.
The Majority Leader of the Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, emphasised that the impeachment process was never suspended and that the Assembly did not have any evidence of Aiyedatiwa withdrawing his court cases.
Ogunmolasuyi further stated that 23 lawmakers were in agreement that the Chief Judge should constitute the panel. The Majority Leader pointed out that, as a government institution, the Assembly has followed due process, and the impeachment process remains in motion.
This development underscores the complex political landscape in Ondo State, and it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds in the coming days.
Source: The Nation Newspaper
