The Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday accepted the apology tendered by Hon. Ibrahim Shittu over a defamatory statement and video that breached the ethics and standing rules of the House.
The apology, which had earlier been submitted to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, was formally read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk of the House, Barrister Muraina Taiwo-Akinola, during plenary.
In the written apology, Hon. Shittu expressed regret over the statement and video, acknowledging that his actions fell short of the ethical standards expected of a member of the Assembly.
He admitted that the conduct constituted a breach of House rules and had the potential of bringing the legislature into disrepute.
Ruling on the matter, the Speaker of the House accepted the apology, describing the acknowledgment of error and expression of remorse as important steps in preserving the dignity and sanctity of the Assembly.
The Speaker urged members to always conduct themselves responsibly and to be cautious in their actions and utterances, both within and outside the legislative chambers.
He further reminded lawmakers that their conduct in public spaces reflects on the image and credibility of the Oyo State House of Assembly, stressing the need for all members to uphold the highest standards of discipline, decorum, and accountability.
Other lawmakers, the Minority Leader, Hon. Waliu Ayinde, and the Chief Whip, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, who doubled as the Chairman of the Ethics and Privileges Committee, in their separate remarks, commended the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, for handling the matter with the highest level of maturity, wisdom, and statesmanship.
They described his intervention as balanced, firm, and reflective of the dignity of the House.
