…speaker admits inducement attempt but rejects impeachment agenda
By Adeola Badru
A deepening political storm has engulfed Oyo State as a web of allegations, denials, and counterclaims surrounding a purported impeachment plot against Governor Seyi Makinde continues to unravel, exposing widening tensions within the State House of Assembly and among key political and traditional figures.
At the heart of the controversy is a series of claims suggesting that political actors and influential figures may have attempted to induce lawmakers financially to support the impeachment of the governor.
However, in a cascade of firm denials yesterday, prominent stakeholders rejected any involvement, describing the allegations as false, malicious, and politically motivated.
Ajimobi denies involvement, calling allegations “deliberate disinformation”.
Former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate to Austria, Dr (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, has strongly refuted claims linking her to any attempt to influence members of the Oyo State House of Assembly through financial inducements.
In a statement issued by her media office, she described the allegations as “entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate act of disinformation” aimed at tarnishing her image, de-marketing her, and misleading the public.
She specifically denied hosting or participating in any meeting, whether in Lagos or elsewhere, where plans to destabilise the Oyo State government or discuss impeachment were allegedly made.
“At no time did Ambassador Ajimobi convene, attend, or participate in any such meeting with any individual or group for the purpose of discussing impeachment or destabilising the Oyo State Government,” the statement read.
She further insisted that linking her to such claims was “malicious, political propaganda” designed to bring her into disrepute, particularly among the people of Oyo State.
“Activities of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State are of no concern to me. Linking me to such a plot could only be borne out of mischief and deliberate reverse propaganda to malign my reputation,” she added.
Reaffirming her commitment to peace and democratic values, Ajimobi stressed that she has never engaged in activities capable of undermining the state’s stability.
She urged the public to disregard the reports and warned that the spread of false information could heighten political tension, adding that legal action may follow if the claims are not retracted.
Mrs Ajimobi said she remained focused on her humanitarian engagements and would not be distracted by what it termed “unfounded and mischievous claims”.
Speaker admits inducement attempt, rejects impeachment agenda
In a significant development, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, confirmed that he had been approached with a monetary inducement but categorically rejected it.
Dismissing claims that he received money from APC proxies to facilitate impeachment, the Speaker described the allegation as false and politically motivated.
“I was offered monetary inducement, but I declined without hesitation because no amount of money can buy my conscience or compromise my loyalty to the governor, the party, and the people we were elected to serve.“
I remain fully committed to upholding the integrity of this House and will not be part of any agenda aimed at destabilising the government,” he said.
Ogundoyin reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to Governor Makinde and the ruling party, insisting that he would never betray the mandate of the people or undermine the administration.
He added that no money exchanged hands at any meeting and maintained that rumours suggesting otherwise were fabricated to destabilise both the government and the legislature.
The speaker also addressed claims surrounding his visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, clarifying that the meeting was purely consultative and took place weeks earlier.
According to him, the visit was to inform the monarch of his governorship ambition and seek royal blessings, stressing that it was rooted in respect and tradition rather than political scheming.
He urged the public to disregard what he described as unfounded attempts to create division within the state’s leadership, while reiterating that the Assembly under his leadership remains committed to constitutional order, good governance, and the collective interest of the people.
Ladoja’s son clarifies meeting, denies impeachment link
Amid growing speculation, Shola Ladoja, son of the Olubadan, also moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding the speaker’s visit to his father.
He explained that while the meeting had political undertones, it was not connected to any impeachment plot, financial inducement, or opposition party agenda.
Addressing controversy generated by his earlier comments, he said: “My recent tweet was deleted because I realised a lot of people thought I meant a payment receipt. No. I meant receipt of our conversations.”
He further clarified: “Yes, the visit was political, but there was nothing like impeachment discussions, no APC agenda, and no money involved.”
Shola confirmed that he facilitated the meeting after being approached by the speaker but cautioned against misinterpretations capable of inflaming tensions in the state.
Lawmakers reject inducement claims, affirm loyalty
Other lawmakers have also distanced themselves from the alleged plot.
Hon Sunkanmi Babalola, representing Egbeda State Constituency, dismissed reports linking him to secret meetings aimed at impeaching the governor, describing them as baseless and the work of “mischief-makers”.
He rejected claims that lawmakers were offered sums ranging from N250 million to N1 billion, insisting that such inducements could not override the will of the people.
“The people of Oyo State spoke clearly when they elected Governor Seyi Makinde. No amount of money can subvert that mandate,” he said.
Similarly, Chief Whip Hon Gbenga Oyekola and Deputy Speaker Hon Abiodun Mohammed Fadeyi have denied any involvement in destabilisation efforts, with Oyekola stating he was neither invited to nor aware of any impeachment plan.
Olubadan rebukes claims, distances throne from politics
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has also firmly rejected allegations that he was involved in any plan to unseat Governor Makinde.
In a strongly worded reaction, the monarch dismissed the claim as false and illogical.
“To say the least, this is a lie,” he stated.
He added: “You don’t have to be a former governor or distinguished senator to know that a monarch has no power to impeach a local government chairman, not to talk of a state governor.”
Questioning the shifting narratives, he remarked:
“This becomes intriguing when only less than 24 hours ago, the Ekiti State former governor Ayodele Fayose alleged the state governor’s purported plot to remove Olubadan. Today, it is the Olubadan who allegedly wants to impeach the governor. So, who is fooling who?”
Crisis deepens as Assembly tensions persist
The unfolding saga came against the backdrop of escalating tensions within the Oyo State House of Assembly, where what began as speculation has developed into a full-blown political crisis.
Reports indicated that lawmakers recently convened Monday night amid concerns over an alleged attempt to create a rift between the executive and legislative arms of government.
While several members have publicly declared loyalty to Governor Makinde, others have remained silent, fuelling speculation about internal divisions.
Chief Whip of the Assembly, Oyekola disclosed that discussions at a meeting with the governor included claims that the Speaker had been approached by influential political and traditional figures regarding his future ambitions, with inducements allegedly offered but rejected.
Observers noted that while public declarations of loyalty may help calm tensions, the silence of some lawmakers suggested deeper fractures within the Assembly.
The situation has also drawn the attention of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), which is said to be closely monitoring developments amid the uncertainty.
Uncertain road ahead
As more stakeholders continued to speak out, the political atmosphere in Oyo State remained tense, with competing narratives and denials dominating public discourse.
