A former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adeolu Adeleke, has called on the current Speaker, Debo Ogundoyin, to provide full details and names of those allegedly behind a plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde.
Adeleke made the demand in a statement issued in Ibadan on Tuesday, following claims by Ogundoyin that he was approached with financial inducements and political support allegedly offered by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to facilitate the removal of the governor.
The disagreement has added to growing political tension in Oyo State, where rumours and counterclaims about alleged impeachment plots have continued to dominate public discussion in recent days.
Adeleke, who served as Speaker during the Fifth Assembly between 2003 and 2007, said the matter should not be treated with secrecy or vague statements. He insisted that anyone making such serious allegations must be ready to provide evidence.
Drawing from his experience in the legislature, Adeleke recalled his involvement in the impeachment crisis of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja in 2005, which later led to a legal battle and Ladoja’s reinstatement as governor. He said such sensitive political matters require clarity, responsibility, and caution.
According to him, the current situation risks damaging the credibility of the Oyo State House of Assembly if not properly addressed.
Adeleke said Ogundoyin must clearly identify those who allegedly offered him money and political backing to remove the governor. He also demanded details of meetings the Speaker reportedly held in Lagos in connection with the alleged plan.
“The Speaker must identify the persons who attempted to compromise him with cash. The Speaker must disclose who he met with in Lagos regarding the supposed impeachment,” Adeleke said.
He further questioned inconsistencies in the Speaker’s public statements, noting differences between remarks made at a stakeholders’ meeting and a later press release.
“The discrepancy between the Speaker’s words at yesterday’s stakeholders’ meeting and today’s press release is suspicious,” he said.
Adeleke also raised concerns about possible political motivations behind the allegations, asking whether the Speaker could have been pressured or influenced to make the claims.
“Was he coerced into levelling allegations against Kabiyesi Ladoja? Or is this a calculated attempt to gain political leverage for his own governorship ambitions?” he asked.
The former Speaker warned that failure to clarify the situation could damage public trust in the legislature and weaken confidence in democratic institutions in the state.
He stressed that the office of the Speaker carries significant responsibility and should not be associated with unverified claims or politically motivated statements.
In recent weeks, allegations involving impeachment plots and political interference have surfaced in the state, although many of the claims remain unverified and have not been officially confirmed by relevant authorities.
The Oyo State House of Assembly has not issued a detailed response to Adeleke’s latest remarks, and it remains unclear whether Speaker Ogundoyin will provide further clarification on the matter.
However, political analysts note that impeachment discussions in Nigeria are often highly sensitive, especially when they involve sitting governors. Such situations have historically led to prolonged legal battles, political instability, and public controversy.
Oyo State itself has experienced such tensions in the past. In 2005, the impeachment of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja led to a major political crisis that was later resolved by the courts, which reinstated him after several months of legal proceedings.
Given this background, stakeholders say any renewed talk of impeachment must be handled with caution to avoid unnecessary political crisis.
Some residents of Ibadan who spoke informally on the matter expressed concern over the rising tension, calling on political leaders to focus on governance rather than disputes that could distract from development efforts.
Civil society groups have also urged restraint, advising public officials to avoid statements that could inflame political divisions.
Adeleke, in his statement, maintained that transparency is key to resolving the matter, insisting that silence or vague explanations would only worsen public suspicion.
He added that the integrity of the legislature is at stake and must be protected at all costs.
As the controversy continues, attention now turns to the Oyo State House of Assembly leadership for possible clarification, as political watchers await further developments in what has become another flashpoint in the state’s political landscape.