Makinde steps in to quell Oyo Assembly impeachment crisis

By Adeola Badru

Tension that gripped the Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday eased by evening following the decisive intervention of Governor Seyi Makinde, who moved swiftly to halt what insiders described as a brewing impeachment plot against the Speaker.

Calls for the governor’s intervention had intensified earlier in the day as anxiety mounted within the Assembly over the alleged move.

The unrest followed reports from a closed-door meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus, which, though expected to be routine ahead of legislative business, reportedly descended into a heated and confrontational session.

Sources familiar with the proceedings described the atmosphere as charged and uneasy, with lawmakers sharply divided over the alleged plot and its implications.

What began as a routine caucus engagement quickly spiralled into a serious confrontation, exposing deepening cracks within the ruling party and raising concerns about the stability of the Assembly’s leadership.

Lawmakers were said to have split into opposing camps, with some resisting what they viewed as an unjustified attempt to unseat the Speaker, while others were believed to be aligned with forces pushing for a leadership change.

According to credible sources, influential figures thought to be operating within the governor’s camp were backing what some legislators interpreted as a calculated attempt to remove the Speaker or compel his resignation.

The move, it was further gathered, was predicated on allegations that several lawmakers considered unsubstantiated and politically motivated.

Although claims of behind-the-scenes orchestration by powerful interests close to the corridors of power remained unverified, they nonetheless heightened fears of an internal power struggle within the PDP in Oyo State.

The unfolding situation unsettled political circles in Ibadan, fuelling speculation about a looming leadership crisis and prompting urgent appeals for Makinde to intervene to prevent the situation from degenerating into a constitutional impasse.

Responding to the growing tension, the governor convened an urgent meeting with the lawmakers.

Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the development confirmed that the meeting ultimately diffused the crisis and restored calm within the Assembly.

“The meeting with the governor was successful. He made his position clear, and that effectively ended the matter,” a source disclosed.

Another source confirmed the resolution, stating: “I can tell you authoritatively that the governor has resolved the matter and unity has returned to the House.”

According to insiders, Makinde drew a firm line during the engagement, directing all members of the Assembly to close ranks with the existing House leadership under the Speaker.

He reportedly emphasised the need for unity, discipline and stability within both the legislature and the party.

The directive, it was gathered, effectively shut down any ongoing moves towards impeachment, with lawmakers said to have agreed to abide by the governor’s position.

While details of the closed-door meeting remain largely undisclosed, multiple sources confirmed that the outcome reaffirmed confidence in the current leadership of the Assembly and reinforced the governor’s preference for internal cohesion over political brinkmanship.

The development has since calmed frayed nerves across political circles in Ibadan, where concerns had been mounting over the potential fallout of a prolonged internal crisis.

As of the time of filing this report, normal legislative activities are expected to resume, with clear indications that the House leadership retains its position following the governor’s decisive intervention.

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