Ondo state House of Assembly has served the state deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi impeachment notice over allegation of gross misconduct.
The motion which was read by the Clerk of the Assembly, Bode Adeyelu, stated that the speaker of the assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun, said he personally received the allegation but failed to mention the source of the allegation.
Oleyelogun stated that the constitution empowers the assembly to investigate allegations and proceed on impeachment if necessary provided necessary constitutional requirements were met.
He ordered the clerk of the House to immediately serve the embattled deputy governor notice of impeachment signed by 14 members of the Assembly.
However, the deputy speakers, Iroju Ogundeji, as well as others were shouted down by the speaker when he attempted to contribute to the motion and the motion was put into voice votes.
Majority Leader, Jamiu Maito, moved a motion for adjournment till Wednesday July 8 and it was seconded by Oluyede Fayide, representing Ose constituency.
Speaking to newsmen after the plenary, Festus Akingbaso, representing Idanre constituency, said the impeachment notice was unconstitutional, adding that it would not stand because it did not meet two thirds of the House members as required by law.
Similarly, Samuel Edamisan, representing Irele constituency stated that the move by the assembly was unconstitutional, adding that it would not work.
Olugbenga Omole, the chairman of the House Committee on Information, said the ranting from some lawmakers was needless, adding that the impeachment order is a process which does not require two thirds of members of the assembly.
“In fact only 9 members of the 26 members are needed to sign the impeachment move,” Omole said.
Omole added that only few journalists were allowed into the Assembly chamber in order to follow COVID-19 guidelines.
Hon. Adewale Williams- Adewinle, representing Ondo West 2 described the assembly’s attempt to impeach the deputy governor as a manipulated affair.
All members of the assembly were present except Favour Tomomewo, representing Ilaje constituency 2, the only female member in the assembly.
