In a swift and decisive move, 18 members of the Ogun State House of Assembly voted on Tuesday to impeach the Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo. The impeachment, which came during a plenary session, stemmed from allegations of financial impropriety, high-handedness, and other related offenses.
The lawmakers accused Oluomo of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and financial misappropriation. They also alleged that he was working against the interest of the state and the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Oluomo, who has denied all accusations, was removed from his position with 18 votes in favor of impeachment and none against. Following his removal, the Assembly promptly elected Oludaisi Elemide as the new Speaker.
While the specific details of the alleged financial wrongdoings remain unclear, reports suggest irregularities in the management of House funds. Additionally, some lawmakers accused Oluomo of running the Assembly with an iron fist, disregarding proper legislative procedures and stifling dissenting voices.
The motion for Oluomo's impeachment was moved by the Deputy Speaker, Dare Kadiri, and seconded by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sherif. The lawmakers then elected Akeem Balogun, representing Ogun Waterside Constituency, as the new Speaker of the assembly.
Oluomo, who represents Ifo 1 Constituency, was elected as the Speaker in June 2019, following the inauguration of the ninth assembly. He is a loyalist of the former governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun, who is now a senator.
The impeachment of Oluomo is seen as a fallout of the power tussle between Amosun and the current governor, Dapo Abiodun, who belong to different factions of the APC in the state. The two leaders have been at loggerheads over the control of the party structure and the governance of the state.
The impeachment has sent shockwaves through Ogun State's political landscape, with reactions pouring in from various quarters. Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a statement, urged the Assembly to maintain peace and stability as they navigate this transition. Civil society groups, meanwhile, have called for a thorough investigation into the allegations against Oluomo, ensuring transparency and accountability in the legislative process.
The future of Ogun State politics remains uncertain following this dramatic turn of events. With a new Speaker at the helm, it remains to be seen how the Assembly will function and whether the allegations against Oluomo will be substantiated through proper investigation.
The impeached Speaker has not reacted to his removal as of the time of filing this report.
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