The allegations slammed against the embattled deputy governor read, “Actions on Sunday 21st June 2020 likely to cause breach of peace in reference to 1983 political crisis with the intent to incite the citizens against government of Ondo State in a video clip at Government House Ground before the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State.
“Publication dated Tuesday 23rd June 2020 on new media and prints media by his sacked aide, Babatope Okeowo, credited to his person and office by Sahara Reporter, sunrisebulletin.com
“Petition from All Progressives Congress (APC) Ondo Chapter on his alleged movement to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) having sworn in as the deputy governor on the party’s ticket with Mr. Governor for a 4 years term.”
The motion that contained all the allegations brought against Ajayi was moved and read by the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Bode Adeyelu, without source of the motion.
According to Oleyelogun, the Constitution empowers the Assembly to investigate the allegations and proceed on impeachment if necessary on the deputy governor.
He, therefore, ordered the House’s Clerk to immediately serve the embattled deputy governor notice of impeachment, having been signed by 14 members of the Assembly out of the 26 members.
Though journalists were barred from covering the proceedings, the chairman, House Committee on Information, Olugbenga Omole, after the session, said there were 14 members that attended the session while the House needed only nine members to give out the notice.
“In fact only nine members of the 26 members are needed to sign the impeachment move but the House needs 18 to do the impeachment proper,” he said. “It is a process, we are at the first process, when the time comes the required 18 will sign the impeachment.”
Omole added that only few journalists were allowed into the Assembly chamber in order to follow coronavirus guidelines.
However, it was learnt that the Deputy Speaker of the assembly, Hon. Iroju Ogundeji, as well as others were shouted down by the speaker when attempting to contribute to the motion and the motion was put into voice votes.
Jamiu Maito, the Majority Leader, therefore, moved a motion for adjournment till Wednesday July 8 and was seconded by Oluyede Fayide, representing Ose Constituency.
But, shortly after the adjournment motion, nine members of the assembly led by the deputy Speaker, Iroju Ogundeji dissociated themselves from the impeachment process of the deputy governor.
In their statement made available to journalists read, “we the underlisted elected Honourable members of the 9th session of the Ondo state house of assembly hereby append our signatures to clarify that we have resolved not to partake in the impeachment process of the Ondo state deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi.
“In view of the above, we hereby bring to the notice of Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun, the entire honorable members of the Ondo state house of assembly and the general public that we do not support the impeachment process and would not want to be associated with it based on personal convictions.”
Other Honorable members are, Jamiu Sulaiman Maito, Rasheed Olalekan Elegbeleye, Tomide Leonard Akinribido, Samuel Edamisan Ademola, Favour Semilore Tomomewo, Festus Akingbaso, Adewale Williams Adewinle and Torhukerherijo Suceess.
Speaking to journalists after the plenary sitting, Festus Akingbaso, representing Idanre Constituency, said the impeachment notice was unconstitutional, saying it would not stand because “it does not meet two thirds of the House members required by law.”
Samuel Edamisan, representing Irele Constituency, also noted that the move by the Assembly was unconstitutional, insisting that it would not work.
Security at the Assembly premises was water-tight as there was presence of heavy policemen and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
