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  • Aiyedatiwa files suit to stop Ondo Assembly from impeachment proceedings

    Aiyedatiwa files suit to stop Ondo Assembly from impeachment proceedings

    The deputy governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has initiated legal action by filing a suit at the Ondo State High Court, seeking to halt the State House of Assembly’s impeachment proceedings against him.

    Aiyedatiwa urged the court to grant an injunction stopping the House of Assembly from initiating, continuing, or proceeding with the process of his removal from office as the deputy governor of Ondo state.

    The Ondo Assembly, last week, wrote to Aiyedatiwa to answer issues raised in a petition signed by nine lawmakers.

    The petition included inquiries into Aiyedatiwa’s attempt to procure a bulletproof vehicle for the sum of N300 million during Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s medical absence.

    In the suit filed Monday, September 25, Aiyedatiwa is seeking a declaration that the House of Assembly was not competent to proceed with his impeachment in breach of his constitutional and fundamental rights to a fair hearing.

    Read Also: Impeachment: Please forgive Aiyedatiwa, ex-Afenifere scribe begs Akeredolu

    He also sought a declaration that the sacking of his media aides and subjecting him to the Ministry of Information headed by a commissioner amounted to a breach of his rights and privileges as a deputy governor.

    Aiyedatiwa prayed the court to declare that his office, tenure, status, rights, and privileges were protected, guaranteed, and secured by the Constitution.

    He sought a declaration that in the determination of his civil rights and obligations as a deputy governor of Ondo state by the House of Assembly, he is entitled to a fair hearing and that given the utterances and conduct of the House of Assembly so far, there is likelihood of bias against him in the impeachment process.

    He said the Ondo Assembly constituted itself into an accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge by conducting media trials against him without serving him any notice of gross misconduct.

    Aiyedatiwa further urged the court to stop the Chief Judge of Ondo state from accepting or acting upon any request from the House of Assembly of Ondo state to set up any panel to investigate any acts of gross misconduct against him.

    The defendants in the suit filed by human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, are the Ondo state government, the governor of Ondo state, the Ondo state House of Assembly, the speaker of Ondo state House of Assembly, the Clerk of Ondo State House of Assembly and Chief Judge of Ondo State.

    In an affidavit to support the originating summons, Aiyedatiwa stated that the media trial aimed to tarnish his image and manipulate public opinion against him, despite no formal notice of alleged gross misconduct being served upon him.

    He also accused the House of Assembly of persecuting him without lawful basis in conspiracy with certain persons who are gladiators in political circles.

    The deputy governor, who denied any act of wrongdoing, said he has been loyal to the governor all through their tenure.

  • Impeachment: Why Aiyedatiwa may not survive

    Impeachment: Why Aiyedatiwa may not survive

    Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, may not survive the impeachment proceeding the State House of Assembly has commenced against him.

    Sources said stakeholders in the Ondo APC have backed his impeachment. Last week, nine lawmakers presented a petition of gross misconduct against Aiyedatiwa at an emergency plenary presided over by Speaker Olamide Olajide.

    Among the allegations against Aiyedatiwa is that he approved the sum of N300m for the purchase of a bulletproof car while he was Acting Governor.

    Read Also: No casualty at Lagos collapsed 3-storey building — NEMA

    Aiyedatiwa fell out with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu during the period the Governor traveled to Germany for a medical vacation.

    Several pieces of evidence were said to be presented before the Governor on why Aiyedatiwa was not loyal and could not be trusted. Aiyedatiwa and some Commissioners were said to have held a series of meetings on the shape of the government should Akeredolu not make it back from the medical vacation.

    Director of Media of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Steven Otaloro, said the party was concerned about the development but that the Assembly would be allowed to carry out its duties, especially the N300m allegations.

    Another party chieftain who spoke on anonymity said a female has been penciled down to replace Aiyedatiwa.

    The chieftain who refused to give the name of the female confirmed that all APC stakeholders in Ondo have supported the removal of Aiyedatiwa.

    He said the proposed female to replace Aiyedatiwa would be somebody who has no ambition to contest next year’s governorship election.

  • ‘22 members okay Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment’

    ‘22 members okay Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment’

    Ondo State House of Assembly has said it was following due process to investigate the allegations levelled against Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    It added that the allegation letter served on him did not equate to an impeachment verdict.

    A source, however, said 22 of 26 members of the Assembly have supported Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment.

    The lawmakers said Aiyedatiwa reserved the right to defend himself.

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    Chairman, House Committee on Information, Olatunji Oshati, in a statement yesterday said the allegation letter served the deputy governor marked the initiation of the impeachment proceedings, but that it was a procedure rooted in due process and not a hastily-conducted impeachment.

    He said: “We are conscious of the integrity of our current assembly and will not falter in our constitutional responsibilities to our constituents.

    “We wish to declare, unequivocally, that the entire process remains within the realm of allegations. We are committed to examining these allegations objectively. Our primary responsibility is to uphold the integrity of our be

  • Impeachment: We are following due process on Aiyedatiwa, say Ondo lawmakers

    Impeachment: We are following due process on Aiyedatiwa, say Ondo lawmakers

    The Ondo State House of Assembly has stated that it is following the necessary due process in investigating the allegations made against Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The Assembly clarified that serving the allegation letter to Aiyedatiwa did not amount to an impeachment verdict and that the deputy governor has the right to defend himself.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, September 21, the chairman of the House Committee on Information, Olatunji Oshati, explained that the letter served to the deputy governor was the beginning of the impeachment proceedings, but that the process was rooted in due process and not hastily conducted.

    Read Also: Impeachment: Clear your name instead of going to court, Ondo professionals tell Aiyedatiwa

    He said: “We are conscious of the integrity of our present assembly and will not falter in our constitutional responsibilities to our constituents.

    “We wish to declare, unequivocally, that the entire process remains within the realm of allegations. We are committed to examining these allegations objectively. Our primary responsibility is to uphold the integrity of our beloved state and foster accountability and transparency, even at the highest levels of government.

    “Consequently, we urge our constituents to refrain from making premature judgments. Neither the Deputy Governor nor the Governor are immune to legislative actions. The allegation letter has been served, and Mr. Deputy Governor has the full right to defend himself. Rest assured, we are committed to following due process and will do so diligently.”

  • Impeachment: Clear your name instead of going to court, Ondo professionals tell Aiyedatiwa

    Impeachment: Clear your name instead of going to court, Ondo professionals tell Aiyedatiwa

    The Ondo Professionals For Good Governance Initiatives (OPGGI) has urged the deputy governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to appear before the House of Assembly and clear his name of the gross misconduct charge instead of using the judiciary to stall the impeachment process.

    Nine lawmakers of the Assembly on Wednesday, September 21, submitted a petition accusing Aiyedatiwa of gross misconduct.

    One of the allegations made against the deputy governor was the seeking of approval of the sum of N300m to purchase a bulletproof vehicle.

    In a statement issued to journalists in Akure and signed by the president of the group, Pastor Adeyemi Kayode, the Ondo Professionals said the lawmakers’ actions were under public scrutiny.

    Pastor Adeyemi appealed to the House of Assembly to serve as an impartial arbitrator, ensuring the preservation of the state’s and the people’s interests during the impeachment proceedings.

    The statement encouraged Aiyedatiwa not to petition the law court to halt his impeachment process but to allow the democratic process to run.

    According to the statement, “We have credible information that the Deputy Governor is seeking legal intervention to halt his impeachment process. As vigilant observers, we urge the Deputy Governor to refrain from such an action.

    “Although m, we suspect that his impeachment may be controversial, we are equally interested in the allegations the lawmakers have raised against him.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Nine lawmakers sign petition against Aiyedatiwa

    “Contrary to other states where impeachment proceedings are conducted in secrecy and unconstitutionally, we have faith in the House of Assembly’s decision to adhere to due process in this impeachment. This will only bolster our democratic process and establish a beneficial precedent.

    “We fervently hope that Mr. Aiyedatiwa will choose the path of integrity, exemplifying the spirit of a true Ondo son by submitting to investigation and allowing the world’s greatest court, the court of public opinion, to objectively assess the situation.

    “As stakeholders, we are dedicated to ensuring no one is unjustly persecuted. We acknowledge that the Deputy Governor is yet to be impeached and has only been served an allegation letter. We urge him to present his defense and reveal to the world the truth behind this drama.”

  • BREAKING: Nine lawmakers sign petition against Aiyedatiwa

    BREAKING: Nine lawmakers sign petition against Aiyedatiwa

    Nine lawmakers in the Ondo State House of Assembly have signed a petition of gross misconduct against the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The petition was presented at an emergency plenary held on Wednesday, September 20.

    Read Also: Ondo Assembly denies impeachment plot against Aiyedatiwa

    After hearing the petition, the directed the Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jaiyeola to write the deputy governor on the allegations of Gross Misconduct levelled against him.

    The emergency plenary was presided over by the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji.

    More details shortly…

  • Ondo Assembly denies impeachment plot against Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo Assembly denies impeachment plot against Aiyedatiwa

    Lawmakers in the Ondo State have denied making any move to impeach the Deputy Governor of the State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    It said it was not in possession of any resignation letter purportedly signed by Aiyedatiwa.

    Majority Leader of the Assembly, Hon West Ogunmolasuyi, who spoke in a telephone chat, said the lawmakers were concerned about providing good governance for the populace.

    Read Also: No plans to impeach Aiyedatiwa, says Ondo Assembly

    Hon Ogunmolasuyi said the Assembly would focus on carrying out over-sight functions and other activities that would bring prosperity to the state.

    His words, “We are not aware of any letter about the resignation of the Deputy Governor. Nobody is plotting any move to impeach the Deputy Governor.

    “We are busy with what will bring development to the state. What is of importance to us is to carry out our oversight functions.”

  • No plans to impeach Aiyedatiwa, says Ondo Assembly

    No plans to impeach Aiyedatiwa, says Ondo Assembly

    Ondo lawmakers have denied making any move to impeach Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    It said it was not in possession of any resignation letter purportedly signed by Aiyedatiwa.

    Majority Leader of the Assembly, Hon West Ogunmolasuyi, who spoke in a telephone chat, said the lawmakers were concerned about proving good governance for the populace.

    Read Also: Group passes vote of confidence in Aiyedatiwa

    Hon Ogunmolasuyi said the Assembly would  focus on carrying out over-sight functions and other activities that would bring prosperity to the state.

    His words, “”We are not aware of any letter about the resignation of the Deputy Governor. Nobody is plotting any move to impeach the Deputy Governor.

    “We are busy with what will bring development to the state. What is of importance to us is to carry out our oversight functions.”

  • Aiyedatiwa in storm’s eye

    Aiyedatiwa in storm’s eye

    Ondo State Deputy Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is a man of character who has believed in hard work, resilience, sagacity and loyalty all his life.

    He is a principled man who believes anything worth doing at all is worth doing well. Hence, the reason his rise was astronomic. 

    Outside politics, Aiyedatiwa is a successful businessman with very sharp business acumen and he is  highly cerebral. He is notable for his sociable skills and ability to turn every misfortune into a wide range of opportunities.

    His foray into politics is divine because he is a man who had always wanted to serve his people so when the opportunity to become the Deputy Governor of Ondo State came; after being a commissioner for the Niger Delta Development Corporation NDDC.

    He never hesitated to take the opportunity; ensuring maximum loyalty to his boss and also keyed into his vision and mission to turn Ondo state to an all-round destination for investment in the aspect of rural and urban renewal, educational investment, commerce and industrial revolution, infrastructural development, health investment, social amenities investment among others. For his deep-rooted loyalty, his boss has often disclosed in public how lucky he is to have a very loyal loyal deputy like him who would take a bullet for him when the need arises.

    Read Also: Let Aiyedatiwa be, group warns detractors

    While Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was away on his medical leave and transferred power to the soft-spoken Ilaje-born man, Aiyedatiwa ensured no lacuna was in the government as he swiftly moved into the capacity by ensuring all critical stakeholders within the government worked and functioned optimally.

    Despite some moves to truncate his tenure as acting governor, Aiyedatiwa infused his native intelligence to manage all sundry to ensure no lapses were found in running the affairs of the state. While he was in charge; his hard work and vision was evident as the state was doing well with optimal functionality.

    For his unwavering commitment to the people of Ondo State and his unshaken loyalty to his boss, he was commended by political pundits for doing a good job while his boss was away, despite the odds not favoring him. He was admonished and celebrated by his boss, who resumed duty a few days ago, behind closed doors.