Oyo Lawmakers and Ajimobi Deny Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde
In a series of strong denials, Oyo State lawmakers and former First Lady Florence Ajimobi have dismissed allegations linking them to a purported plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
Ajimobi's Firm Rejection
Florence Ajimobi, the ambassador-designate to Austria and wife of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, issued a statement through her media office categorically denying any involvement in such a scheme. She labeled the allegations as "entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate act of disinformation" aimed at damaging her reputation and misleading the public.
Assembly Members Speak Out
Several members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have also come forward to refute the claims:
- Chief Whip Gbenga Oyekola denied participation in any meetings aimed at destabilizing the state government, stating he was neither invited nor involved. He alleged that certain individuals were attempting to sow discord within the Assembly and undermine the relationship between the Executive and Legislature.
- Deputy Speaker Abiodun Mohammed Fadeyi similarly denied receiving any inducements from political actors or being part of any plot.
Oyekola further pledged his loyalty to Governor Makinde, emphasizing he would not engage in actions that could undermine the administration. However, he made a counter-allegation that Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin was offered an APC House of Representatives ticket and financial support by Ajimobi and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Speaker's Rebuttal
Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin denied allegations that he received money from APC proxies to facilitate Makinde's impeachment, calling the claim false and politically motivated. He stated that no money exchanged hands in any meeting and that the rumor was fabricated to tarnish his image and destabilize the government.
Ogundoyin reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to Governor Makinde and the ruling party, stressing he would never betray the people's mandate. Regarding his visit to the Olubadan, he clarified it was purely consultative and occurred weeks earlier to discuss his governorship ambition and seek blessings.
APC's Response
The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State dismissed the impeachment plot narrative as a "poorly scripted attempt" to mislead the public and attract unwarranted sympathy. Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare rejected the claims as baseless and lacking credibility in a statement issued in Ibadan.
Olubadan's Position
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, denied involvement in any plot to unseat Makinde, urging the public to disregard the claims and refrain from dragging the Olubadan's stool into "dirty politics."
Fayose's Allegations
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, during a solidarity visit to Oba Ladoja, alleged that Makinde is not relenting in a plot to remove the Olubadan from the throne. He claimed his information was credible and stood by his earlier revelations about developments surrounding the Ibadan traditional institution.
Oba Ladoja expressed appreciation to Fayose for raising the alarm but assured that the matter would be handled internally, emphasizing the role of elders in resolving disputes within Ibadan.
