Deputy Governor Impeachment: Oyo State Chief Judge Constitutes 7-man Panel

The Oyo State Chief Judge (CJ), Munta Abimbola, has constituted a 7-man panel to investigate the Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan, as directed by the House of Assembly, in a bid to remove the Deputy Governor from office.

While constituting the panel, the CJ disclosed that the delay in obeying the directive of the House in setting up the panel  was due to the suit filed on the matter by the Deputy Governor.

The Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola, had, on Thursday, dismissed a suit filed by Olaniyan challenging the propriety of the procedures by the lawmakers.

But, Olaniyan had, through his lawyer, Afolabi Fashanu, immediately filed a notice of appeal and an application for stay of execution of the judgement at the Appeal Court barely an hour after the judgement was delivered.

The investigative panel, as constituted by the CJ, is to be chaired by Chief Kayode Christopher. Other members include: Arc. Adebisi Soyombo, Chief Lawal Adekunle Dauda, Princess Olanike Olusegun, Rev. Fr. Patrick Ademola, Chief Mrs Wuraola Adepoju (JP) and Alh. Tirimisiyu Akewusola Badmus.

A statement by the Court’s Information Officer, Mrs Comfort Udoh, says citizens found worthy to be of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political parties, have been constituted to investigate the allegations against the Deputy Governor as provided under section 188(5) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It states that the CJ reached the resolve on the members after due consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Muslim community, the Christian community, Justice of Peace (JP) and the legal profession, among others.

The statement reads in part: “The Honourable Chief Judge of Oyo state, Hon. Justice Munta Ladipo Abimbola on Thursday, 14th July, 2022 constituted a 7-man Investigating panel in pursuant to the resolution of the House of Assembly of Oyo State, and as requested by the Honourable Speaker of the House Debo Ogundoyin by a letter dated 6th July, 2022, and by the virtue of  power conferred on his lordship by section 188 (5) of the 1999 constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The delay in the inauguration of the members of the panel of investigation was due to the pending suit against the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State which Judgement was delivered yesterday, 14th July, 2022 by Hon. Justice A.L. Akintola who dismissed the claim of the Deputy Governor.”

In the statement, the Chief Judge prayed for God’s guidance for the members of the panel and urged them to have the fear of God, act in accordance with their conscience and to be fair and just in the discharge of their duties.

N.O