The Ondo State House of Assembly has taken action to initiate proceedings for the potential removal of Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Aiyedatiwa had been serving as the acting governor until September 7, 2023, when Governor Rotimi Akeredolu returned from a three-month medical leave in Germany.
Several allegations have been levelled against Aiyedatiwa, including charges of gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial recklessness, and other related offences.
During a plenary session held on Wednesday, presided over by Speaker Olamide Oladiji, nine lawmakers formally signed and submitted a petition against the deputy governor. This petition was read out by Jaiyeola Benjamin, the Clerk of the House.
Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, the Majority Leader of the House, cited section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution to justify the necessity of addressing these allegations against the deputy governor within the chamber.
His argument was supported by Tope Agbulu, a lawmaker representing Akoko South West 2. Following a unanimous vote, the speaker ruled that Aiyedatiwa should be formally served with a letter outlining the allegations.
This development has arisen amidst reports of a strained relationship between Aiyedatiwa and Governor Akeredolu. The deputy governor is rumored to have aspirations to secure the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for the upcoming election next year.