Controversy In Ogun Assembly As Speaker Halts Move To Suspend Oluomo

Controversy erupted on Tuesday as the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide halted a motion moved by a member representing Abeokuta North State Constituency, Dr Babatunde Tella and co-sponsored by five other lawmakers asking for the suspension of former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo for fourteen (Legislative) days.

After deliberating on the motion with all co-sponsors, Elemide urged his fellow lawmakers to take into account the collaborative efforts of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration and the legislature in improving the state’s condition.

He emphasized that achieving the desired outcomes for the state’s progress is contingent upon maintaining peace and tranquility across all aspects of governance, thus advocating for the postponement of action on the issue.

The Speaker clarified that while Oluomo had breached the House regulations, the current leadership is committed to consistently upholding the integrity of the institution as a cornerstone of democracy.

Earlier, Hon. Tella who is also the Assembly’s Deputy Chief Whip had opened the debate on the motion, stating that, “this Honourable House note with serious concern and dismay the unwholesome attitude of Rt. Hon Olakunle Oluomo, which is detrimental to the physical, mental and moral well-being of this Honourable House and how this attitude is putting the image of this House in bad light and disrepute.

“Further note is the fact that by taking this House to the court of law, he had shown a clear manifestation of an unfriendly disposition and disregard to the laws and statutes guiding the operations of this House.

“Also of note is the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act of 2018 section 21 on Pre-action notice which states: “A person who has a cause of action against a legislative House shall give a three months written notice to the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative House disclosing the cause of action and relief sought.

“However, consequent upon the fact that Rt Hon Olakunle Oluomo has refused to follow due process before taking this House to the court of Law, he has contravened the laws guiding the operations of this House and deemed guilty as he cannot claim ignorance being a former Speaker of the same House.

“Consequently, having been deemed guilty of the above as there is no record of three months notice being sent to the Office of the Clerk, an action that contravened the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act 2018.

“I therefore in consonance with ORDER X RULE 71 (4) move that Rt Hon Olakunle Oluomo be suspended from the activity of this Honorable House for 14 legislative days,” the motion concluded.

Other lawmakers who spoke in support of the motion including the Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye; Adegoke Adeyanju, Oluseun Adesanya; and Waliu Owode explained that the former speaker’s activities violated the rules and regulations of the House.

Recall that the former Speaker was last month removed by 18 out of 26 lawmakers over allegations bordering on financial misappropriation,  highhandedness, gross misconduct, arrogance, poor leadership style, lack of focus and transparency and pitching members against themselves.

Oluomo has, however, described his removal as illegal saying that he had already instituted a suit at the state High Court to challenge his impeachment.

22 members of the Assembly on January 30 also ratified the impeachment of Oluomo.

The Assembly later observed a minute silence in honour of the late artist and cultural icon, Pa Jimi Solanke, who passed away the previous day at 81 years as reported by a member representing Remo North State Constituency, Hon. Dickson Awolaja.