Oyo State was plunged into a tense political drama last week as allegations of impeachment plots, billion-naira inducements, and widening intra-party divisions threatened to destabilise both the executive and legislative arms of government, as well as the traditional institution in Ibadan.
Key figures at the centre of the unfolding saga include Governor, Seyi Makinde, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose.
The crisis reportedly began during a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus meeting at the Oyo State House of Assembly, which degenerated into a heated confrontation.
Sources who spoke with Vanguard described the atmosphere as “charged and uneasy,” with lawmakers sharply divided over alleged moves to impeach the Speaker.
“What began as a routine caucus engagement quickly spiralled into a serious confrontation,” a source disclosed, adding that the situation exposed “deepening cracks within the ruling party.”
Some lawmakers were said to have resisted what they perceived as an attempt to unjustly remove Ogundoyin, while others allegedly backed forces pushing for leadership change.
₦1bn Inducement Allegation Heightens Tension
Amid the leadership tussle, a more explosive allegation emerged, a purported plot to impeach Governor Makinde involving inducements reportedly running into ₦1bn.
The claim sparked widespread concern across political circles. However, former First Lady Florence Ajimobi denied any involvement.
“At no time did Ambassador Ajimobi convene, attend, or participate in any such meeting; these allegations are entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate act of disinformation,” she said.
She described the claims as “malicious political propaganda” and warned of possible legal action.
‘No Amount Of Money Can Buy My Conscience’ — Speaker
In a dramatic twist, Ogundoyin confirmed he was approached with a monetary inducement tied to impeachment plans but rejected it.
“I was offered monetary inducement, but I declined without hesitation because no amount of money can buy my conscience,” he said.
The Speaker insisted he remained loyal to Makinde and the PDP, dismissing allegations that he received funds from opposition-linked sources as “false and politically motivated.”
Insiders who spoke with Vanguard suggested the crisis may have been driven by efforts to weaken Ogundoyin’s growing political influence, particularly his alleged governorship ambition.
A source revealed that his consultation with the Olubadan unsettled some lawmakers.
“They see him as a force to reckon with, and they want to cut short his political future,” the source said.
The source added that attempts were being made to create distrust between the Speaker and the governor.
Makinde Intervenes, Restores Calm
With tensions escalating, Makinde reportedly convened an emergency meeting with lawmakers.
“The meeting with the governor was successful. He made his position clear, and that effectively ended the matter,” a source said.
Lawmakers were directed to close ranks with the Speaker, effectively halting impeachment moves and restoring legislative stability.
While the Assembly crisis unfolded, Fayose alleged that Makinde was plotting to remove the Olubadan.
“Let me say it again: the current Governor of Oyo State has an agenda to remove the Olubadan,” Fayose declared.
He warned the governor against actions that could damage his legacy, claiming recent developments supported his position.
Olubadan, Aides Downplay Crisis
Reacting, Oba Ladoja dismissed the claims as hearsay.
“Most of what we hear is hearsay… How do we go about this?” he said.
In a proverb, he added, “A witch cried yesterday, a child dies today, who does not know it is the witch that killed the child?”
Despite the tension, the monarch expressed optimism that the elders would resolve the matter amicably.
Ogundoyin clarified that his visit to the Olubadan was purely consultative.
“It was to inform Kabiyesi of my governorship ambition and seek royal blessings, nothing more,” he said.
Similarly, Shola Ladoja said the meeting had no link to impeachment plots or inducements.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the government was still reviewing the situation.
“We are still assessing the situation and will respond at the appropriate time,” he stated.
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