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Tag: Ondo Assembly

  • Ondo Assembly Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader step down

    Ondo Assembly Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader step down

    The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Abayomi Akinruntan and the House Majority Leader, Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi have stepped down from their positions.

    At the plenary sitting on Tuesday presided by Chief Olamide Oladiji, Speaker of the House of the Assembly, the duo cited their interests to step down.

    Akinruntan, Ilaje 1/APC, was replaced by Mr Ololade Gbegudu, Okitipupa 2/APC while Ogunmolasuyi, Owo 1/APC was replaced by Mr Olatunji Oshati, Ose/ APC.

    Akinruntan, who is from the same local government area with Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said his resignation was to honour political power sharing in the state.

    Akinruntan, whose letter was read by the Clerk  of the Assembly, Mr Benjamin Jaiyeola, thanked the leadership of legislative body for allowing him to serve in that capacity.

    Gbegudu nomination as Deputy Speaker was raised by Mr Oluwatoyin James, Akoko North-East/ APC, and Mr Chris Aiyebusiwa, Okitipupa 1/APC, seconded the motion.

    Gbegudu, in his appreciation, promised to collaborate with other lawmakers in promoting the state’s development and ensure the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

  • Ondo Assembly confirms 2 commissioner-designate, approves 10 SAs

    Ondo Assembly confirms 2 commissioner-designate, approves 10 SAs

    The Ondo State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, confirmed two commissioner-designate, Dr Kayode Ajulo and Mrs Omowunmi Issac, whose names were forwarded to it by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa after his inauguration on Monday.

    Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, APC/Owo 1, moved a motion for the report of the Committee of Whole House to be presented on the commissioner-nominees for confirmation.

    Dr Chris  Ogunlana, Irele/ APC, seconded the motion.

    The Deputy Speaker, Mr Abayomi Akinruntan, who submitted the report, said that the nominees, possessed requirements to function as commissioners, adding that the two candidates are mentally and physically fit to excel in their respective positions.

    Speaking on the commissioners-designate, a member, Chief Olamide Oladiji, said that the duo had been screened, and found worthy to serve in the capacity.

    ”These nominees have distinguished themselves in their professional fields, and have carved a niche for themselves in all sphere of life.

    ”They have meritoriously served the state, hence their nomination by Mr Governor.

    ”Dr Ajulo, SAN , is a legal luminary, with proven integrity, within and outside the bar.

    “He has been able to distinguish himself in his professional filed, and had received national honours and several laurels, due to hard work and dedication.

    ”Also, Mrs Omowunmi is a financial expert that has contributed immensely to the development of Ondo State, and had managed the lean resources of the state for economic and infrastructural development and advancement,” he said.

    Oladiji asked the commissioners-designate to uphold truth, and discharge their duties to the best of their abilities, so that the state would continue to be the positive reference in the comity of states in the country.

    The legislators subsequently by a voice vote of the majority confirmed the two commissioners-designate.

    Speaking after their confirmation, Ajulo commended the state governor for having faith and confidence in them, stating that they would serve in line with the laws of the land.

    The House of Assembly also approved the request of the state governor to appoint 10 special advisers.

    The House of the Assembly,  thereafter adjourned plenary till Feb. 27.

    NAN eports that Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday, reappointed  Ajulo and Isaac, who were immediate past Commissioners for Justice and Finance, subject to their approval by the legislative.

  • Ondo Assembly holds public hearing on UNIMED’s status

    Ondo Assembly holds public hearing on UNIMED’s status

    The Ondo State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, held a public hearing on the name change of the state-owned specialised university, the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo.

    The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, described the university as pride of the state, hence there was need to carry out some amendments in the law establishing the institution.

    Oladiji explained that at the establishment of the institution, it was named Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, but the University of Medical Sciences as a name was yet to be backed by the House of the Assembly.

    He stated that the lacuna had caused graduates of the institution a problem in being enlisted in the National Youth Service Corp( NYSC) and thereby deprived the institution some benefits.

    According to him, amendments to the law that created the university will bring more value to the institution.

    “If there’s going to be an amendment like this, there’s need for us to call for public hearing.

    “ Our children are there.  If at the end of the day, if a student should pass out of the school  and the result became useless, then I think that would have been an exercise in futility.

    “ So, what am I trying to say in essence is that it’s going to really add more value and to the image of the school. It is going to be a welcome development to every one of us,” he said.

    Also speaking, the  Vice Chancellor of UNIMED, Prof.  Adesegun Fatusi, explained the principal reason for proposing the amendment was for the name of the university to be legally known as University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED).

    “If you go to the JAMB website of NYSC, you will not find University of Medical Sciences because, legal paper that established it was Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (OSUMS) at that point in time.

    “And at the point where we are now, ten years in history, it has now become extremely important that this name be legally established as UNIMED, because we have got to a point where some of our graduates are running into trouble when they present certificates outside the country, and they check JAMB website and cannot not find the name.

    “That is the major reason we have been pressing that we need a law to amend the name formally for JAMB to recognise it and also take another look at what the law provides, for minor amendment,” he stated.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, Mr Chris Aiyebusiwa, said that the committee had  scrutinised the bill as expected, considering the present concerns, visions, hopes and aspirations of government and the institution.

    Aiyebusiwa, however, said that the sensitive nature of the bill required the contributions of well-meaning stakeholders in order to have an amended law that would stand the test of time.

  • Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa nominates popular SAN, 5 others as commissioners [See names]

    Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa nominates popular SAN, 5 others as commissioners [See names]

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has forwarded the names of six commissioner nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Akure by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan.

    One of the notable nominees is a legal luminary, Mr Kayode Ajulo (SAN).

    Also announced was the appointment of three Special Advisers; Hon. Olugbenga Omole as Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Mrs Olamide Falana as Special Adviser on Gender Affairs, and Mr Alabi Johnson as Special Adviser on Energy.

    According to the statement, three of the nominees for commissioners were retained from the cabinet of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    The commissioners are Mr. Razaq Obe, Mr. Emmanuel Igbasan, and Mr Akinwumi Sowore

    Other nominees are; Mrs Omowumi Isaac, and Mr Oseni Oyeniyi.

  • BREAKING: Ondo Assembly declares Aiyedatiwa acting governor

    BREAKING: Ondo Assembly declares Aiyedatiwa acting governor

    Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, on Wednesday, December 13, declared Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as acting governor, following the receipt of the letter from Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on transmitting power.

    He, however, clarified that a constitutional procedure is required, and he would direct the Clerk of the House to provide his consent to the Secretary of the State Government.

    Oladiji said that he had told the House members about the meeting with President Bola Tinubu and that they had accepted the governor’s letter.

    According to the speaker, there won’t be any sitting on the matter as he will release a press statement after concluding the process of transmitting power to the deputy governor.

    Aiyedatiwa will now take over the duties of the governor in an acting capacity until a formal declaration to the contrary is made, according to the Speaker’s statement.

    The statement reads partly: “Following the Doctor’s advice on the need for medical follow-up after recuperating, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON has forwarded the letter on medical leave to the State House of Assembly.

    “Receiving the letter on behalf of other lawmakers, the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji said the Governor’s action is in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “According to the letter, his Deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa would now assume the responsibilities of the Governor in an acting capacity until there is a written declaration to the contrary.”

  • Impeachment process against Aiyedatiwa still ongoing – Ondo Assembly

    Impeachment process against Aiyedatiwa still ongoing – Ondo Assembly

    The Ondo State House Assembly has denied what it described as “some distorted news story” stating that it had suspended the impeachment of the state Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The House said it will carry the impeachment through to a logical conclusion in order to determine the veracity or otherwise of the “monumental allegations of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor.”

    In a statement signed by its lawyer, Femi Emodamori on Saturday, the Ondo Assembly noted that it has followed the impeachment processes as provided in the Constitution to the stage where the Chief Judge is required to constitute a 7-man panel to look into the allegations levelled against the Deputy Governor.

    It stated that the Chief Judge replied and stated that he received an ex parte order which the Deputy-Governor secured from the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court on 26th September, 2023, ‘restraining’ his lordship from setting up the Panel, pending when the Court would hear all the parties in the case to determine the merit of the application or the case filed by the Deputy-Governor.

    The House added that it is promptly taking the necessary legal steps to vacate or quash the order and/or the entire suit at the Federal High Court, in order to untie the hands of the Chief Judge and proceed with the impeachment to a logical conclusion.

    See full statement below:

    Our Client, the Ondo State House of Assembly, has brought some distorted news story stating that it had “suspended” the impeachment of the State Deputy Governor, to our attention.

    The House reaffirmed that it has not “suspended” the impeachment process as inaccurately reported, and will carry same through to a logical conclusion in order to determine the veracity or otherwise of the monumental allegations of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor.

    Impeachment is a constitutional process clearly outlined in section 188 (1)-(11) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and our Client has meticulously complied with all the stages leading up to the obligation placed on the State Chief Judge to set up a 7-man Panel to investigate the allegations, as stipulated in Section 188(5) of the Constitution.

    The notice of allegations of gross misconduct was signed by 11 members of the House and presented to its Speaker on 20th September, 2023 in strict compliance with Section 188(2) of the Constitution, which requires at least one-third of the 26 House members to sign and present the notice to the Speaker. That is the first stage in an impeachment process.

    The Speaker in turn served the notice on the Deputy Governor on 25th September, 2023, and also caused same to be served on all the other members of the House, in strict compliance with the same Section 188(2) of the Constitution which requires him to do so within seven days.That was the second stage.

    The third stage, as stated in Section 188(3) of the Constitution, requires two-third majority of the members to pass a motion within 14 days after the notice of allegation(s) of gross misconduct was first presented to the Speaker, for the investigation of the allegation (s) and request the State Chief Judge to set up the 7-man Panel to investigate same.

    Our Client meticulously complied with the said Section 188(3) of the Constitution. In fact, 23 out of its 26 members (more than the minimum two-third majority required) passed that motion on 3rd October, 2023.
    Section 188(5) of the Constitution further states that after the motion is passed by the two-third majority, the Speaker should formally request the State Chief Judge to set up the Seven-man Panel.

    The Speaker diligently complied with this on the same 3rd October when the motion was passed.

    It was at this stage that His Lordship, the Honourable Chief Judge of Ondo State, replied the House, stating that he received an ex parte Order which the Deputy-Governor secured from the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court on 26th September, 2023, ‘restraining’ his lordship from setting up the Panel, pending when the Court would hear all the parties in the case to determine the merit of the application or the case filed by the Deputy-Governor.

    For the avoidance of doubt, Section 188(10) of the Constitution clearly states that “The proceedings or determination of the House or Panel or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall not be questioned or entertained in any court”, and there are too many judgments of the highest courts in Nigeria affirming that no court has the jurisdiction to dabble into an impeachment process, as long as the House of Assembly complies with all the constitutional process.

    The Honourable Chief Judge himself stated in his widely reported reply to my Client, that his lordship was not unmindful of the above provisions of Section 188(10) of the Constitution and even quoted it verbatim.
    His lordship however stated that as a Chief Judge, he would prefer that the ex parte Order, which his lordship believes “tied his hand”, should first be vacated or set aside. The Chief Judge obviously prefers to err on the side of caution.

    The position of our Client, therefore, and contrary to the inaccurate press report, is that in spite of their reservations about the position of the Honourable Chief Judge in the face of the clear provisions of Section 188(10) of the Constitution and the judgments of the appellate courts stating that no court has the power to question or entertain any matter relating to the impeachment, they would, for now, show sufficient understanding of the delicate position the Hon. Chief Judge has found himself, by promptly taking the necessary legal steps to vacate or quash the order and/or the entire suit at the Federal High Court, in order to untie the hands of his lordship and proceed with the impeachment to a logical conclusion.

    The general public would recall that a similar suit instituted by the same Deputy Governor on the same subject matter at the Ondo State High Court was dismissed on 10th October, 2023 for constituting an abuse of Court process, following a preliminary objection which we filed on behalf of our Client.

    E-signed.

    Femi Emmanuel Emodamori
    (14th October, 2023).

  • Impeachment: Ondo Assembly directs CJ to constitute 7-man panel on deputy gov

    Impeachment: Ondo Assembly directs CJ to constitute 7-man panel on deputy gov

    The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday said the deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had failed to respond to the letter of Notice served on him on Sept. 25 over allegations of gross misconduct.

    The Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji, said the letter of Notice was received on behalf of Aiyedatiwa by his Chief Protocol Officer.

    Speaking at the plenary session in Akure, Oladiji said the house resolution that the deputy governor should be duly served a Notice of the allegations, was in line with Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution.

    “Concerted efforts were made to serve the Notice on the deputy governor, who for some time was not available for the service, prompting the House to approach the court for a substituted service on the deputy governor.

    “On 25th of September, a substituted service of the Notice of allegations was made on the deputy governor duly signed by more than one-third Honourable Members of the House as required by the Constitution in Section 188 Sub-section 2,” he stated.

    According to him, the Constitution stipulates that the assembly should wait for seven days for the embattled deputy governor to respond which has lapse.

    The speaker directed the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, to immediately set up a seven-man panel to investigate the deputy governor on the allegations levelled against him.

    “Distinguished colleagues, Section 188 of the Constitution states further that the deputy governor has 7 days within which to reply to the allegations levelled against him.

    “The Constitution states further that within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions of this section, the Chief Judge of the state shall at the request of the Speaker of the House of Assembly appoint a panel of seven persons.

    “Distinguished colleagues, I, therefore, wish to seek your opinion to direct the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Hon. Justice Olusegun Odusola, to in line with this section of the Constitution, set up a seven-man panel to investigate the deputy governor on the allegations levelled against him,” he said.

    The House, with available 23 out of 26 members at the plenary session through voice vote, gave a nod for the chief judge to constitute the panel.

    Earlier, the Majority Leader, Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, (Owo 1-APC), moved the motion for the Notice on the Ondo State Impeachment Panel Procedure Rules that the panel be constituted by the chief judge of the state.

    The motion was seconded by Mr Felix Afe (Akoko North West 2-PDP).

  • Ondo Assembly to Deputy Governor: Court injunction won’t stop your impeachment

    Ondo Assembly to Deputy Governor: Court injunction won’t stop your impeachment

    Despite court order, the Ondo State House of Assembly has said it would not be stopped from carrying out its legislative duties of investigating the allegations levelled against the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Court had earlier issued an ex parte order halting the Assembly from impeaching the deputy governor.

    But the Assembly said it can’t be stopped by the court order.

    It said the impeachment notice served the Deputy Governor outlined 14 specific allegations of gross misconduct which he is required to respond within 7 days from the day of being served.

    The allegations encompassed financial mismanagement, misuse of authority with potential harm to the Ondo state government, and publicized statements in the print media that tarnished the Governor’s reputation.

    Speaker of the Ondo Assembly, Oladiji Olamide Adesanmi, in a statement issued Tuesday evening, September 26, said the Assembly would strictly follow due process of law as outlined in Section 188(1) – (9) of the Constitution.

    According to him, “The House is not unaware of media reports that His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, has rushed to Court to stop the impeachment process. Media reports even claim he has secured an injunction from a certain Judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to halt the process.

    “The House is shocked that rather than wait to be served with notice of the allegation of gross misconduct, and react to same as required by the Constitution, the Deputy Governor has been running from pillar to post and filing multiple suits in both at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court and the Ondo State High Courts in a bid to stop the legislative process.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the House is fully conscious of Section 188 (10) of the Constitution which clearly states that “No proceedings or determination of the panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court.

    “The House has directed its team of Lawyers to investigate the purported injunction secured by the Deputy Governor and report any judicial officer who might have abused his office in granting the unconstitutional ex-parte injunction to the appropriate institution for necessary disciplinary action.

    “In conclusion, the House wishes to assure the general public that it would proceed with the legislative process to a logical conclusion, but in doing so, will strictly follow the Constitutional procedures. The House will not abdicate or compromise its sacred constitutional duty to hold elected public officers accountable, particularly where there are prima facie serious allegations of corruption and abuse of power levelled against the Deputy Governor in this case.”

  • BREAKING: Ondo Assembly moves to impeach deputy gov, Aiyedatiwa

    BREAKING: Ondo Assembly moves to impeach deputy gov, Aiyedatiwa

    The Ondo State House of Assembly has begun move to impeach the deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The House accused the embattled deputy governor of being involved in some acts of gross misconduct while in office as the acting governor.

    To this end, at the plenary session on Wednesday, the directed the Clerk of the House, Mr Benjamin Jaiyeola, to communicate to Aiyedatiwa the allegations levelled against him.

    The petition which has been signed by Nine out of 26 Members of the House was read during the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji.

    Details to follow…

  • Oladiji emerges Ondo Assembly Speaker

    Oladiji emerges Ondo Assembly Speaker

    Mr. Olamide Oladiji has emerged as the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

    Oladiji emergence followed the inauguration of the state’s 10th Assembly by the clerk, Mr Benjamin Jayeiola on Saturday.

    Jaiyeoba had initially read a proclamation from Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, paving way for the inauguration of the 10th Assembly.

    Oladiji (APC), representing Ondo East Constituency, was unanimously elected the Speaker by 26 members of the assembly.

    The motion for the speaker’s nomination was moved by Mr Temitope Akomolafe, representing Ifedore Constituency and seconded by Mr Oladapo Biola, representing Ondo West Constituency 2.

    Oladiji, a businessman and an educationist, was the Deputy Majority Leader in the 9th Assembly.

    Also, Mr. Abayomi Akinruntan (APC), representing Ilaje Constituency 1, was elected the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly unopposed.

    Akinruntan nomination’s motion was moved by Mrs. Tosin Ajirotutu, representing Idanre Constituency.

    In his speech, the new Speaker said that he felt honoured and thanked his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him.

    He also thanked the state governor for his unrelenting support and for giving the enabling environment to the legislative arm and his strong leadership for peace to reign in the state.

    Oladiji tasked his colleagues to demonstrate utmost accountability and openness in the discharge of their duties, saying that they should not be accused of not doing their best foe the state.

    The Speaker promised to ensure smooth and harmonious relationships with the executive for continuous development of the state.

    Oladiji enjoined all lawmakers in the assembly to join hands with him in moving the state forward.

    The House of Assembly also elected Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi (APC), representing Owo Constituency 1 and Ajirotutu as Deputy Majority Leader.

    Four lawmakers out of the 26 were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while the rest are from the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    Speaking to newsmen, Ogunmolasuyi promised his constituents better representation.

    He expressed the belief that the 10th Assembly would deliver more for the state considering the calibre of people in it.

    According to him, the new speaker is a person of vast wealth of experience.

    The Majority Leader promised that the entire house would give the speaker the necessary support.

    The House of Assembly then declared six-week recess and it is expected to resume on July 17.

    NAN