Oyo lawmakers blow whistle on impeachment plot against Gov. Makinde

Key members of the Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday publicly distanced themselves from the plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde.

The members pledged their loyalty to Gov. Makinde after Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Chief Whip of the Assembly, accused Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, of plotting to destabilize the current administration.

He disclosed that the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin had been invited by the Olubadan after previously seeking the monarch’s support for his governorship ambition. During the meeting, the monarch was said to have advised the Speaker and allegedly offered to facilitate a House of Representatives ticket for him under the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with financial backing for the election.

However, Oyekola noted that the Speaker declined the offer.

Oyekola, in a statement sent to PM News, added that: “I, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State. I was never invited, never consulted, and was not part of any such meetings or arrangements.

“I cannot and will not be disloyal to my boss, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde. I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Makinde, his government, and his party. I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State.”

Joining him, Deputy Speaker Hon. Abiodun Mohammed Fadeyi, representing Ona Ara State Constituency, also denied involvement in any plot to destabilise the state or impeach the governor.

Fadeyi described the allegations as “baseless” and a “calculated attempt by mischief-makers” to tarnish his reputation.

“I wish to state categorically and for the record that I was never part of any meeting called by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, nor Florence Ajimobi or Zaccheus Adedeji, to discuss the impeachment of Governor Seyi Makinde,” Fadeyi said.

“I have the utmost respect for our traditional institutions, but I am not a party to any agenda that seeks to truncate the progress we have achieved under this administration.”

The Deputy Speaker also refuted claims of a high-level meeting allegedly held last Thursday in Lagos, said to have been hosted by Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, at the behest of the Presidency, attended by Zaccheus Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

Fadeyi described the report as “pure fiction”, stating he was not in Lagos and had no discussions aimed at destabilising the state government.

“No amount of money is sufficient to subvert the collective will of the people. My integrity and commitment to the development of Oyo State far outweigh any pecuniary gain,” he said.
“Governor Makinde is performing well in all sectors, and his administration has been beneficial to the people of Oyo State since he assumed office.”

Similarly, Hon. Babalola Abiodun, representing Ibadan North East Constituency 1 of Oyo State, dissociated himself from any plot against Makinde.

In a Facebook post, he wrote, “I was neither invited nor consulted, and I did not participate in any meetings or arrangements related to any matters related to ruffling or removal of the Oyo state Governor. I remain fully loyal to Oyo state and my principal, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, DSc, GSRRS. I will neither act nor be seen to act in any manner contrary to the state loyalty.

“I reaffirm my unwavering support and commitment to Oyo state Progress and Support for the good work of Governor Seyi Makinde, his administration, and his party. I remain steadfast in my dedication to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State.”