Ondo assembly asks chief judge to set up panel to probe deputy governor

The Ondo state house of assembly has asked Oluwatoyin Akeredolu, chief judge of the state, to set up a panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Agboola Ajayi, deputy governor.

Ajayi defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and he has indicated interest to run against Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the governor, in October.

The assembly on Tuesday, commenced impeachment process against Ajayi. 14 members of the assembly asked the clerk of the house to serve a notice of impeachment on the deputy governor.

In a letter dated July 7, Bamidele Oleyelogun, speaker of the assembly, asked the CJ to constitute a seven-man panel to probe Ajayi.

“By the resolution of the house today pursuant to Section 188 (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it was resolved that the allegations be investigated forthwith,” the letter read.

“It is in line with the above that request that you set up a seven-man panel to conduct the investigation as resolved by the honourable house and the panel shall, as soon as possible, report back to the House.”

But nine lawmakers wrote to the CJ dissociating themselves from the ongoing plot to remove the deputy governor.

The lawmakers are Iroju Ogundeji, Jamiu Maito, Raaheed Elegbeleye, Tomide Akinribido, Samuel Ademola, Favour Semilore, Festus Akingbaso, Williams Adekunle and Success Torhukerhijo.

Ajayi denied receiving the notice of impeachment.

But Gbenga Omole, chairman, house committee on information, said the deputy governor was properly served.