Deputy Speaker of the Ondo state House of Assembly, Ogundeji Iroju, has been removed from office. He was accused of “working against the Speaker of the House, Bamidele Oleyelogun.” The allegations were contained in an impeachment notice signed by 18 out of the 26 lawmakers and which was moved on the floor of the House yesterday.
While moving the motion for impeachment, the lawmaker representing Akoko North-east constituency, Fatai Olotu, said a “frosty relationship between the office of Mr. Speaker and his Deputy is not in the interest of members.” “The office of the speaker is an exalted one that must be respected,” he said. Olajide Sunday, who represents Akure South 2 Constituency, seconded the motion for impeachment. He said all the 18 lawmakers who signed the impeachment notice “were convinced that the speaker and his deputy, working at cross purposes would not bring the desired democratic dividends to the people.”
After the motion was duly seconded, the speaker called for a voice vote, which was unanimous.
The House thereafter nominated Abimbola Fajolu, representing Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo constituency as the new deputy speaker. His nomination was approved by the house and he was immediately sworn in. The speaker and the deposed deputy are from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move was reportedly a fallout of the local government and state congresses which witnessed a division in the party. (NAN)