The Oyo State House of Assembly has directed four local government chairmen in the state to step aside over allegations of gross misconduct and financial impropriety, pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations.
The decision was reached during Wednesday’s plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi, following the receipt and consideration of petitions from the affected local government areas.
The affected chairmen are Hon. Timothy Oyeniyi of Ogbomoso South Local Government; Hon. Olateju Michael Alabi of Oriire Local Government; Hon. Adegbite Isaiah of Surulere Local Government; and Hon. Muritala Abiodun Oyewumi of Iwajowa Local Government.
After reviewing the petitions, the lawmakers approved the recommendation that the four council chairmen step aside to allow for a thorough investigation of the allegations against them.
The House Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, said the decision was part of the Assembly’s constitutional oversight responsibilities aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and responsible administration at the grassroots.
Adedoyin, who represents Ogbomoso South State Constituency, explained that the respective vice-chairmen would take over the administration of the affected councils in an acting capacity pending the conclusion of the investigations and the Assembly’s final decision.
He disclosed that the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters had been mandated to investigate the allegations and submit its findings within one week for further legislative action.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the Assembly has condemned the development, describing it as a political witch-hunt.
The Minority Leader, Hon. Waliu Ayinde, argued that allegations of anti-party activities against the affected chairmen were internal party matters and should not form the basis for intervention by the State House of Assembly.
Ayinde maintained that the Assembly had no jurisdiction to interfere in matters that should ordinarily be handled within the political party.
n a related development, the Oyo State House of Assembly has passed the 2027 Appropriation Bill and the 2027 Finance Bill for second reading.
The two bills were subsequently referred to the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Economic Planning, chaired by Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola, who represents Egbeda State Constituency, for further legislative consideration.
The Deputy Speaker, Fadeyi, urged the committee to undertake a thorough examination of the bills to ensure their timely passage.
The legislative developments formed part of the Assembly’s deliberations on local government administration, accountability and the consideration of the state’s proposed 2027 fiscal framework.
