The embattled Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Honorable Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is facing a potential impeachment as allegations of gross misconduct swirl around his tenure.
According to a report by Vanguard, some members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have reportedly signed an impeachment notice against the deputy governor.
The move towards Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment became apparent following an emergency plenary session convened by the leadership of the state assembly. The presence of heavy security personnel stationed at the Assembly gate further fueled speculation surrounding the deputy governor’s political future.
A source revealed that the deputy governor is currently under investigation for alleged gross misuse of office. Specifically, it is alleged that Aiyedatiwa, during his tenure as acting governor, approved N300 million for the purchase of a bulletproof sports utility vehicle (SUV) for his personal use. This decision reportedly took place while Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was on a medical leave in Germany for three months.
Shockingly, it is alleged that the deputy governor ordered the N300 million to be withdrawn from the Palliative fund, a financial resource designated by the Federal government to assist the state in mitigating the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies.
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Adding complexity to the situation, Governor Akeredolu had previously dismissed all media aides associated with the deputy governor, citing insubordination as the reason for their removal. This move had sparked rumors of an impending impeachment plot against Aiyedatiwa.
However, despite prior denials, this recent development appears to cast a shadow of doubt on the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji’s assertion that there was no plot to impeach the deputy governor.
Oladiji had previously stated, “There is nothing like that, you know the social media can write anything they like, but it is not true. Nothing like that is going on. As I am talking to you, I’m in Abuja for the Speakers’ conference. So, there is nothing like that.”
The Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, echoed the Speaker’s sentiments, urging the public to disregard the impeachment rumors. He emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to focusing on matters of state development.
Aides to Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa strongly denied the allegations surrounding the purchase of the bulletproof vehicle during his tenure as acting governor. One of his aides rebutted the claims, stating, “They are just looking for excuses. But they will fail because they’ve always failed in all their efforts to bring the deputy governor down.”
The unfolding events surrounding the deputy governor’s alleged misconduct and the potential impeachment proceedings have captivated the attention of the public and the political landscape in Ondo State. The situation remains fluid, with many eagerly awaiting further developments in this unfolding political drama.