Oyo CJ inaugurates panel to investigate Olaniyan’s impeachment

Oyo State Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Munta Abimbola, has inaugurated a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations leveled against the Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, resulting to his impeachment.

The CJ constituted the panel on Thursday, in pursuant to the resolution of the House of Assembly, and as requested by the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, in a letter dated July 6, 2022.

Justice Abimbola disclosed that the delay in the inauguration of the members of the panel was due to the pending suit initiated by Olaniyan against the impeachment process, which judgement was delivered on Thursday, by Justice Ladiran Akintola, who dismissed the suit.

Members of the seven-man panel inaugurated include Chief Kayode Christopher (Chairman); Arc. Adebisi Soyombo; Chief Lawal Adekunle Dauda; Princess Olanike Olusegun; Rev Fr. Patrick Ademola; Chief Mrs. Wuraola Adepoju (JP) and Alh. Tirimisiyu Akewusola Badmus.

According to him, members of the panel are people of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political parties.

He, however, urged members of the panel to have the fear of God, act in accordance with their conscience and to be fair and just in the discharge of their duties.

The CJ assured that the panel would investigate the allegations against the deputy governor as provided under section 188(5) of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Oyo State High Court has dismissed a suit, which was filed by Olaniyan against his impeachment.