- State commences process, investigates allegation
- Group accuses Aiyedatiwa of planning protest against Akeredolu
The Ondo State House of Assembly on Wednesday commenced the process of impeaching Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over what it called abuse office for approving for himself, the sum of N300 million to purchase a bulletproof SUV.
Aiyedatiwa allegedly sourced the money from the N2 billion Palliative Fund recently disbursed to the 36 states by the Federal Government.
As an emergency plenary session summoned by the House of Assembly was ongoing yesterday, there was a heavy presence of security men at the Assembly gate.
According to sources within the Assembly, 23 lawmakers have already signed the impeachment notice against Aiyedatiwa.
According to the source, trouble started when Aiyedatiwa reportedly approved the sum of N300 million for the purchase of a bulletproof SUV for his personal use. This approval was allegedly given while the state Governor was recuperating in Germany.
Further complicating matters, it was learnt that Aiyedatiwa ordered the N300 million to be sourced from the Palliative fund. This fund, provided by the Federal government, was intended to support states in addressing the needs of their citizens.
The source said the impeachment proceedings underscore the Assembly’s commitment to accountability, even at the highest levels of state governance.
Meanwhile, the Ondo Progressives Youth Coalition (OPYC) has accused the Deputy Governor of planning a protest against his boss, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. In a statement by the group’s coordinator, Ojo-Smart Olayiwola, said that the planned protest is being organised by the “Odatiwa” group, supposedly under the direction of the deputy governor.
According to OPYC, young individuals are being enticed with a sum of three thousand naira each to partake in the protest, which is allegedly scheduled for Thursday.
“Confidential information has reached us about the covert move by the Ondo State Deputy Governor to rally youths and instigate a protest against the Governor tomorrow,” the statement reads.
“Our findings indicated that the ‘Odatiwa’ group is orchestrating this anticipated protest under the auspices of the deputy governor. They are providing young people with three thousand naira each to participate in the protest.
“We urge the security agencies and the conscientious citizens of the state to call these youths to order and admonish them not to become pawns in the hands of politicians.
“Just because Governor Akeredolu has been in Ibadan since his return to the country, it does not warrant a basis for protest in the state. Everyone acknowledges that his arrival has restored tranquility to the state.
“We all know that Ibadan has been Aketi’s second home. He spent a significant years of his life in Ibadan and established his chambers there. After a three-month hospital stay, it is natural for one to return home and acclimatise before resuming full-fledged interactions.
“Prior to his latest vacation, Aketi has always spent time in Ibadan after any trip, and this routine has never affected his performance in the state.”
