Ondo State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The Guardian gathered that the impeachment process began yesterday, following an emergency plenary session convened by the Assembly.
According to findings, the move comes amid allegations of gross misuse of office, levelled against the deputy governor.
Aiyedatiwa has been having a running battle with his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, before the latter’s medical trip to Germany.
Sources within the Assembly revealed that 23 out of the 24 lawmakers have already signed the impeachment notice against Aiyedatiwa, signalling a strong backing for proceedings.
Heightened security measures were observed at the Assembly gate as the lawmakers gathered to discuss the impeachment process.
The alleged misconduct was said to have centred around the approval of the sum of N300 million for the procurement of a bulletproof Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) intended for the personal use of the deputy governor.
The approval, it was claimed, was granted while Akeredolu was recuperating in Germany.
One of the lawmakers, who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that Aiyedatiwa ordered that the N300 million be sourced from the palliative fund.
He said: “This fund, provided by the Federal Government, was intended to support states in addressing the needs of their citizens.
“The deputy governor will now face an in-depth investigation, which will determine whether the accusations hold merit and warrant further action.”
The source added that the impeachment proceedings underscored the Assembly’s commitment to accountability, even at the highest levels of state governance.
MEANWHILE, stakeholders in Ondo refused to comment on the development.
A member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), said: “I won’t make a comment on that please. I don’t want to say anything.”
A former National Vice Chairman of APC, Southwest zone, Bankole Oluwajana, said he was more excited about the fact that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu returned to Nigeria safely and is back on his feet than commenting on the development.
Similarly, the Chairman, Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fatai Adams, said it would be too early to start making comments. “Let’s continue to watch the development as it unfolds.”
A former PDP National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, described the development as annoying, considering the economic agony and suddenness in the country.
“Why would I speak on impeachment when Nigerians including Ondo citizens are suffering,” he asked.
