Suspense fills the air, and tensions rise as members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have commenced an impeachment process against the Ondo Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi.
Following Ajayi’s recent defection from the All Progressive Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it was reported that members of the House of Assembly had been meeting consistently to draw up plans to remove Ajayi from office.
Upon decampment, Ajayi moved out of his official residence and is rumoured to have a turbulent relationship with the Governor of Ondo State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. When questioned on the reason for his departure, he stated that the APC had ‘become a poisoned space’ with one man ‘kneeling on its neck’.
He joined the PDP party; formally welcomed with open arms by its national chairman, Uche Secondus and is expected to compete in the party’s primary ahead of the state’s October gubernatorial election.
The news of plans to impeach Ajayi had met his ears last week, to which the deputy governor had reacted by filing a lawsuit against the House of Assembly over the alleged scheme to remove him from office.
On Tuesday, the plans became definite as 14 members of the Assembly, out of the 26, signed the impeachment notice. However, nine members disassociated themselves from the move; refusing to sign and partake in the impeachment process.
In the document, Assembly members accused Ajayi of gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial recklessness, abandonment of office and petitioned on account of him defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Nigerians voiced support on the development and stated that it was selfish for Agboola to think he could defect and still retain his seat. They noted that it was in line with “party discipline” to attempt to get him impeached. Some opined that Ajayi seems to be showing so much desperation to become governor that he has bitten the hands that fed him; advising the PDP party not to give their ticket to such a man.
That Ondo State Deputy Governor is still trying to hold on to his position after defecting to another is a continuation of immorality within our political class. It is absolutely in line with party discipline to get him impeached if the House have the number.
— Olusoga Owoeye (@olusogaowoeye) July 7, 2020
I support the impeachment move against the deputy governor. He has shown so much desperation to become governor and have acted against morality .He had thrown gratitude to dustbin in a bizarre manner. I advise @OfficialPDPNig not to give their ticket to such a man https://t.co/YS254Vl3zy
— Conscience of Truth PHD (@alphaolive) July 7, 2020
However, some believed the impeachment would not take place; positing that the fact that nine members had already dissociated means that the Assembly would not be able to garner the necessary amount of people to ensure the impeachment occurs.
9 lawmakers pulled out of the impeachment game against the Deputy Governor in Ondo State. Ondo State has 26 representatives elected from each constituencies of the 18 local government area of the state.
That should be enough to know how the game will end.
— Taiwo_Ajakaye (@dmightyangel) July 7, 2020
There were some Nigerians who just seemed to be enjoying the dramatic unfolding of events.
14 of the 26 members of Ondo State assembly signed the impeachment notice of the Defected Deputy Governor while nine led by the deputy speaker lroju Ogundeji backed out of the process.
More Drama Loading in Ondo….?
— Olurops (@Olurops) July 7, 2020
Ondo Lawmakers Commence Impeachment Process Against Deputy Governor, Ajayi. But 9 lawmakers loyal to Ajayi withdrew from participating in the impeachment process.
Get your popcorn ? let's watch this Ondollywood together. Who's selling drinks ??
— E B I T U™ (@EbituPromise) July 7, 2020
Toluwanimi Onakoya is a spirited writer, creative and videographer. Her biggest drive is to connect with people and depict tales using various forms of media.
Toluwanimi is available on Instagram and Twitter @nimi_onaks
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