Deputy Governor Drags Ondo State House of Assembly to Court Over Impeachment Proceedings
Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has initiated legal action against the Ondo State House of Assembly in response to ongoing impeachment proceedings against him. The Assembly commenced these proceedings based on allegations of gross misconduct, as outlined in a petition that claimed Aiyedatiwa committed the infractions while serving as the acting governor during Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s absence on medical vacation.
The situation escalated when Governor Akeredolu relieved the deputy governor’s media team of their duties upon his return, indicating growing tensions.
Aiyedatiwa, represented by lawyer Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, filed a lawsuit marked AK/348/2023, seeking a court order to halt the impeachment process. Among his requests, he seeks the court’s declaration that the defendants have no right to pursue his removal from office, arguing that such actions violate his constitutional and fundamental rights. Aiyedatiwa also requests that the defendants refrain from interfering with his constitutional duties as deputy governor and the restoration of all media aides and press crew attached to his office.
The court has not yet scheduled a date for the case.
Meanwhile, Speaker Olumide Oladiji has alleged threats to his life over the impeachment proceedings. He reported receiving threatening phone calls and discovered fetish items placed in front of his official residence. Oladiji believes these actions are linked to the ongoing impeachment process.
The Speaker also mentioned that despite the challenges, the Assembly has not yet successfully served the deputy governor with the petition but has done so through substituted means.
Aiyedatiwa, however, has refuted claims of receiving an official notice of gross misconduct as of Monday, asserting that he learned of it through the media. He emphasized that sensitive constitutional matters like impeachment should not be conducted through the media.
In addition to these developments, a group called the Ondo Redemption Front has called on the National Assembly to intervene in the ongoing impeachment process of the deputy governor. They expressed concern over the state’s governance and the absence of the governor, urging a resolution to address pressing issues rather than pursuing the deputy governor’s impeachment.
Compiled by Joe Agbro Jr., (@joeagbro), joeagbro@gmail.com, +234-8056745268
