Impeachment Alert: Ondo’s Deputy Governor Hit with 14 Allegations of Gross Misconduct

The House of Assembly in Ondo State has disclosed 14 allegations of serious misconduct and financial impropriety against the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as part of the ongoing impeachment proceedings against him. This development has received support from a collection of youths residing in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo, who favor Ondo’s deputy governor’s impeachment.

Details of the allegations were made public by Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, following the issuance of a notice of gross misconduct to Mr. Aiyedatiwa, providing him an opportunity to respond to them.

Oladiji says the misconduct could terminate governor’s reputation

Mr. Oladiji disclosed that the allegations leveled against Mr. Aiyedatiwa are gross misconduct, abuse of office with actions potentially detrimental to the Ondo State government, financial irresponsibility, and the release of articles by media aides tarnishing the governor’s reputation.

He also emphasized that the assembly has requested that the state chief judge, Olusegun Odusola, constitute a 7-member investigative panel to scrutinize the accusations against Ondo’s deputy governor. 

The speaker said that the chief judge should appoint seven individuals of impeccable integrity for the panel to delve into the allegations against the deputy governor and submit their findings to the assembly.

Youths protests against the allegations

Concurrently, a group of youths and citizens, named Concerned Youths and Citizens in the state, have articulated that Mr. Aiyedatiwa needs to address the 14 allegations raised against him. 

During a protest at the State House of assembly in Akure, Bright Ojo, the group’s leader, insisted that the assembly members should be allowed to fulfill their lawful and constitutional responsibilities.

Mr. Ojo contended that the deputy governor should provide responses to the allegations or face impeachment by the assembly. He expressed the group’s discontent, asserting that Mr. Aiyedatiwa’s failure to clarify the allegations has jeopardized the state’s stability.

He emphasized the necessity for the House of Assembly to fulfill its constitutional obligations, and if Mr. Aiyedatiwa is proven culpable, his impeachment is imperative.

He also refuted claims that their protests were sponsored, asserting that their actions were aimed at defending democracy and averting any potential political turmoil in the state.

Ondo’s deputy governor’s initial allegation

Previously, the House of Assembly had initiated a notice of allegations of gross misconduct against the deputy governor, endorsed by 11 out of the 26 assembly members.

It’s noteworthy that Mr. Aiyedatiwa had sought legal recourse from the Ondo State High Court, aiming for an injunction to halt the assembly’s actions and protect his right to a fair hearing. 

Additionally, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court granted an injunction to obstruct any impeachment proceedings against Mr. Aiyedatiwa based on alleged gross misconduct.

What you should know about the Ondo’s deputy governor

Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s professional journey has been varied and dynamic. He has served in various capacities, including as an Inventory/Store Officer, Assistant Head Teacher, Marketing Officer, and General Merchandise Manager, gaining multifaceted experience. He is the founder of the Blue Wall Group of Companies, encompassing a range of businesses from trading to travel agencies.

Aiyedatiwa embraced politics in 2011, aligning with the Action Congress of Nigeria, a precursor to the All Progressive Congress (APC). His political ascent included representing Ondo State as a Federal Commissioner on the Niger Delta Development Commission board from 2018-2019 and running as a delegate in the 2015 elections. 

Elevated by his alliance with Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa’s current Ondo deputy governorship signifies his expanding influence and commitment to the developmental aspirations of Ondo State, reflecting his multifarious experience in business and governance. His comprehensive background underlines his capacity to navigate the intricacies of administrative responsibilities and socio-economic development strategies.