By Deputy Governor
In a dramatic turn of events, the Ondo State House of Assembly has set in motion the impeachment process against the embattled Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over allegations of gross misconduct. This unfolding political saga has captured the attention of the state and the nation at large, as the political landscape in Ondo state takes a tumultuous twist. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the details surrounding this impeachment move and the controversies that have shrouded it.
Impeachment Notice Signed by Lawmakers
Deputy Governor
According to a reliable source within the Ondo State House of Assembly, a significant number of lawmakers have appended their signatures to an impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This revelation comes on the heels of an emergency plenary session summoned by the leadership of the assembly. Notably, this session was accompanied by heightened security measures at the Assembly gate, signifying the gravity of the situation.
Allegations of Gross Misuse of Office
Deputy Governor
At the heart of this impeachment move are allegations of gross misconduct and misuse of office against Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa. One of the most prominent accusations involves his approval of a substantial sum of N300 million for the purchase of a bulletproof SUV for his personal use during his tenure as the acting governor. This situation arose when the incumbent Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, had to undergo medical treatment in Germany for three months, leaving Aiyedatiwa in charge.
What adds fuel to the fire is the claim that the N300 million was sourced from the Palliative fund, a fund provided by the Federal government to the state to alleviate the effects of fuel subsidy removal. This allegation raises questions about the propriety of diverting funds meant for a critical purpose to personal use.
The Fallout: Sacking of Media Aides
The rift between Governor Akeredolu and Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa escalated when the former took the drastic step of sacking all media aides attached to the deputy governor over allegations of insubordination. This move sent shockwaves through the political landscape in Ondo state, further fueling speculation about an impending impeachment.
Denials and Counternarratives
Amidst the swirling controversy, there have been conflicting narratives regarding the impeachment plot. Initially, rumors about an underground plot to impeach the deputy governor began circulating following the mass sack of his aides. However, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, categorically denied the existence of any such plot, dismissing it as mere social media chatter.
Corroborating the Speaker’s stance, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, emphasized that the Assembly’s focus was on the development of the state and not on any impeachment move.
A Viral Resignation Letter
Adding another layer of intrigue to the situation, Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa’s resignation letter went viral on social media shortly after the sack of his aides. However, in a swift response, Aiyedatiwa personally issued a statement in Akure, the state capital, vehemently denying any intention to resign from his position.
In his statement, Aiyedatiwa stated, “I wish to state that I, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, have not, do not intend, and will not sign/author any letter resigning my position as the duly elected Deputy Governor.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his four-year mandate alongside Governor Akeredolu, emphasizing that he remained loyal to his principal.
The Ongoing Plenary
As the controversy rages on, the Chairman of the House committee on information, Hon. Olatunji Oshati Emmanuel, has been unavailable for comment due to the ongoing plenary session at the time of this report. Government officials have also maintained a notable silence regarding the developments within the assembly.
Conclusion
Deputy Governor
The political turmoil in Ondo state surrounding the impeachment process against Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa is a matter of intense public interest. The allegations of gross misconduct, the diversion of funds, and the sack of the deputy governor’s media aides have cast a shadow over the state’s political landscape. The conflicting narratives and denials from various quarters add to the intrigue surrounding this unfolding drama.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how it will impact the political future of Ondo state and the fate of Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa. This ongoing saga serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often unpredictable nature of politics in Nigeria.
