Police Bar Oyo Lawmakers

The police and personnel of other security agencies today barred members of the Oyo State House of Assembly from sitting.

Men of the State Security Service, SSS and Police were deployed to the Oyo State House of Assembly and all the entrances leading to the legislative premises were under lock and key this morning.

As a result, 13 lawmakers who were billed to sit today for their valedictory session were locked out.

Only staff of the legislative house and journalists were allowed into the premises after showing the security men their I.D. cards.

Also, nobody was allowed into the chambers of the House.

Out of the 13 legislators locked outside, eight were aggrieved ones who were sacked by Hon. Moruf Akilola faction loyal to former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala.

There are conflicting reports as to what is happening, but P.M.NEWS reliably gathered that there is an instruction from higher quarters not to allow any legislator into the chamber as security reports have it that the two factions of the House might clash during the proceedings.

Last Friday, legislators led by Akilola held the valedictory service, while the anti-Akala faction want to hold their own valedictory service today.

Yesterday, the 13 lawmakers that were locked out today met between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to take far reaching decisions which include the dissolution of the 33 caretaker committees of the state and dissolve statutory bodies which include Civil Service Commission, Judicial Commission, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission.

However, in another development, the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi appointed three key officials. They are: the former Managing Director of University Press Limited, Ibadan, Waheed Olajide, Dr. Adeolu Akande as Chief of Staff, while Dr. Festus Adedayo as a Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication are expected to be sworn in this afternoon.

—Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan