By Kemisola Abdul-Azeez, Abeokuta
Governor Dapo Abiodun has appealed for the former Speaker of Ogun State, Olakunle Oluomo, who was ousted, to be given the opportunity to resign instead of facing impeachment.
Sources told Western Post that during a meeting with Ogun State lawmakers on Wednesday, the governor urged them to reinstate Oluomo as Speaker, but the lawmakers rejected the instruction, leading to the governor’s displeasure.
In an effort to find a resolution, Governor Abiodun proposed the idea of allowing Oluomo to submit a letter of resignation as Speaker.
The lawmakers eventually agreed, planning to convene either an emergency plenary or wait until next week Tuesday, the adjourned date after the impeachment, to accept the resignation letter.
The impeachment of Oluomo, accused of corruption, poor leadership, and embezzlement of funds meant for lawmakers, saw 18 out of the 26 members of the house voting in favor.
Allegations included non-disclosure of the assembly’s finances, misuse of house funds for personal travel without approval, and creating conflicts among members and with the state government.
Other accusations against Oluomo involved the use of offensive language on members, imposing his opinions on others, and blatant disobedience to court orders and collective decisions.
The newly appointed Speaker, Elemide, was known as a loyalist of the former governor and national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Aremo Segun Osoba.
The meeting between Governor Abiodun and lawmakers was held in response to accusations that the executive was behind Oluomo’s removal.
Political analysts pointed to a perceived ‘palace coup,’ suggesting Oluomo was removed while he attended a public function a few kilometers away from the legislative complex.
Despite arguments during the meeting, the lawmakers, comprising nine Peoples Democratic Party members and about 15 APC members, insisted on Oluomo’s removal.
Five additional lawmakers, including one abroad, joined the 18 who signed the impeachment, with the absent lawmaker reportedly sending authorization via email.
Sources told Western Post that during a meeting with Ogun State lawmakers on Wednesday, the governor urged them to reinstate Oluomo as Speaker, but the lawmakers rejected the instruction, leading to the governor’s displeasure.
In an effort to find a resolution, Governor Abiodun proposed the idea of allowing Oluomo to submit a letter of resignation as Speaker.
The lawmakers eventually agreed, planning to convene either an emergency plenary or wait until next week Tuesday, the adjourned date after the impeachment, to accept the resignation letter.
The impeachment of Oluomo, accused of corruption, poor leadership, and embezzlement of funds meant for lawmakers, saw 18 out of the 26 members of the house voting in favor.
Allegations included non-disclosure of the assembly’s finances, misuse of house funds for personal travel without approval, and creating conflicts among members and with the state government.
Other accusations against Oluomo involved the use of offensive language on members, imposing his opinions on others, and blatant disobedience to court orders and collective decisions.
The newly appointed Speaker, Elemide, was known as a loyalist of the former governor and national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Aremo Segun Osoba.
The meeting between Governor Abiodun and lawmakers was held in response to accusations that the executive was behind Oluomo’s removal.
Political analysts pointed to a perceived ‘palace coup,’ suggesting Oluomo was removed while he attended a public function a few kilometers away from the legislative complex.
Despite arguments during the meeting, the lawmakers, comprising nine Peoples Democratic Party members and about 15 APC members, insisted on Oluomo’s removal.
Five additional lawmakers, including one abroad, joined the 18 who signed the impeachment, with the absent lawmaker reportedly sending authorization via email.
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