The leadership of the Oyo State House of Assembly has described the allegation by one of the members, Hon. Ibrahim Shittu from Saki West state constituency that he was not notified of the alleged ‘secret’ plenary session, where a loan of N300 billion was approved for Governor Seyi Makinde as baseless.
In a statement jointly signed by the House Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs and ICT, Hon. Waheed Akintayo (Ilumoka), the Assembly described Hon. Shittu’s claims were not only misleading but a reflection of his complete disconnect from legislative responsibilities.
The statement clarified that the emergency plenary held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, was duly and officially notified on the Assembly’s general platform.
A screenshot of the message from the Majority Leader clearly indicated that all members were informed of the session, a notification acknowledged by some members.
“It is not only unfortunate but shameful that a serving member of the Assembly would resort to falsehood for cheap political relevance. Emergency plenaries are not illegal; they are constitutional and practiced in all serious legislatures across Nigeria, including the National Assembly,”
In refuting Hon. Shittu’s claims, the statement disclosed that the so-called N300 billion loan includes N149 billion meant to refinance an existing loan facility with United Bank for Africa (UBA), while only N151 billion constitutes a new request to support infrastructure and contractors’ financing, a distinction Hon. Shittu failed to acknowledge.
The House also expressed serious concern over Hon. Shittu’s abysmal performance and participation rate.
Upon verification, Hon. Shittu’s attendance at plenary sessions stands at a dismal 20%, making him the least active member of the 10th Assembly.
“Hon. Shittu is always absent at all critical legislative sittings such as the budget presentation and the State of the State Address by the Governor. Hon. Shittu was the only member who failed to participate in the recently concluded extensive oversight visits to executive and local government projects across the state. His absence extended to all previous oversight duties and committee assignments, where his contributions are either non-existent or irrelevant.”
“It is clear that Hon. Shittu has not only failed his constituents but also betrayed the legislative mandate he was entrusted with. He has no bill, no motion, and no contribution on the floor, and now seeks to cover his ineffectiveness with lies,” the statement added.
The House reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency, and legislative excellence, while urging the public to disregard the politically motivated antics of non-performing lawmakers.
“Rather than peddle unfounded allegations, Hon. Shittu should redirect his energy towards becoming a functional legislator. His pattern of absenteeism and non-participation is an embarrassment to the institution and to the people of Saki West,” the statement concluded.
