Impeachment saga rocks Oyo Assembly as lawmakers split

…Makinde loyalists speak out amid rising tensions

By Adeola Badru

Tension is mounting sharply in Oyo State as what began as quiet speculation about an impeachment plot has rapidly evolved into a full-blown political crisis within the State House of Assembly.

What initially appeared to be mere whispers has now crystallised into a serious and potentially destabilising issue, drawing discreet but keen attention from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), which is closely monitoring developments.

At the centre of the unfolding drama is a crucial meeting reportedly held at the residence of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Lawmakers were said to convene amid growing concerns over an alleged attempt to create a rift between the legislative and executive arms of government.

In the aftermath of said meeting, members of the Assembly have begun to publicly declare their positions.

While some lawmakers, including the Deputy Speaker, have openly denied any involvement in an impeachment plot, others have remained conspicuously silent, further deepening uncertainty and fuelling speculation of internal divisions.

The chief whip, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, has emerged as one of the most outspoken figures. In a detailed statement on his verified Facebook account, he firmly denied taking part in any move capable of undermining the peace of the state, stating unequivocally that he was neither invited to nor aware of any such plan.

Oyekola also referenced discussions from the governor’s meeting, disclosing claims that the Speaker had been approached by influential political and traditional figures regarding his future ambitions.

These approaches, he noted, reportedly included financial inducements, offers the Speaker is said to have rejected outright.

Reaffirming his stance, Oyekola pledged unwavering loyalty to Governor Makinde, emphasising his commitment to the administration and to sustaining peace, stability and progress across the state.

His declaration reflected a broader pattern, as several lawmakers have begun publicly aligning themselves with the governor.

Despite these assurances, critical questions remain unresolved. Will these expressions of loyalty be sufficient to calm tensions and shield the speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, from mounting pressure, or do they merely mask deeper fractures within the assembly?

Observers suggested that the silence of some lawmakers may be as significant as the statements already made, hinting at underlying divisions that have yet to fully surface.

Adding further intrigue is the renewed focus on earlier warnings attributed to former governor Ayodele Fayose.

His caution about potential political instability is now being revisited, raising the possibility that his predictions could ultimately prove accurate.

For the APC, the situation presents a delicate moment. As events continue to unfold, the party appears to be weighing both the risks and potential political advantages inherent in the crisis.

With additional lawmakers expected to declare their positions in the coming days, attention remained firmly fixed on Oyo State.

The coming statements may prove decisive in clarifying the true depth of divisions within the Assembly. Whether the crisis ultimately gives way to unity or descends into deeper conflict remains uncertain.

What is beyond doubt, however, is that the political stakes are rising rapidly, and the eventual outcome is poised to significantly influence the state’s direction in the near future, even as earlier warnings by Ayodele Fayose continue to cast a long shadow over unfolding events.