In a surprising and decisive move, the Ogun House of Assembly has witnessed a significant change in leadership as Speaker Olakunle Oluomo was impeached by a majority vote of 18 out of 26 lawmakers during a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Mrs. Bolanle Ajayi.
This unexpected development marks a pivotal moment in Ogun State’s political landscape, and it comes with the election of Mr. Oludaisi Elemide, currently representing Odeda State Constituency in the Assembly, as the new Speaker.
The motion for Olakunle Oluomo’s impeachment was initiated by Adegoke Adeyanju, a lawmaker from the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Yewa North 1 State Constituency. This motion was seconded by another APC legislator, Ademola Adeniran, who represents Sagamu II State Constituency. Notably, Adeyanju had entered the Assembly chamber with the ceremonial Maze, accompanied by fellow lawmakers.
Following his election as the new Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide spoke to the press, expressing his commitment to delivering the best for the people of the state. He emphasized that the new leadership would uphold the rule of law and support Governor Dapo Abiodun in advancing the interests of Ogun State.
“We are law-abiding legislators,” stated Elemide. “We want the world to know that there has been a change in leadership. Eighteen members signed for me to be the Speaker. People should remain calm. We are in custody of all the authority of the House. We are saying that the new leadership will support the governor.”
He aso clarified that Governor Dapo Abiodun had no involvement in the impeachment process, affirming the Assembly’s autonomy in this decision.
Another legislator, Mr. Damilola Soneye, who represents Obafemi Owode State Constituency, shed light on the reasons behind the impeachment, citing allegations of gross misconduct, high-handedness, lack of focus, lack of transparency, arrogance, poor leadership style, financial misappropriation, and incitement of members against one another.
Sitting alongside the new Speaker, the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Deji Adeyemo and Mrs. Funmilayo Adeyemi, respectively, were also present at the plenary session.
Security personnel, including the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were deployed in large numbers at the Assembly complex, reflecting the gravity and sensitivity of the political changes unfolding within the state legislature.
