Date Published: 10/12/09

Oni denies involvement in plot to remove speaker, deputy

Segun Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni has no hands in the alleged plot to impeach Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olatunji Odeyemi and his deputy, Hon. Saliu Adeoti, his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre has said.

Ojo-Lanre described the allegation as ridiculous and a figment of the imagination of the wrapped minds of some mischief makers, adding that “the State House of Assembly, being a separate arm of government that is peopled with matured minds does not require his influence to run its affairs.

His words; “Our attention has been drawn to a report in some newspapers, alleging that Governor Oni was sponsoring the impeachment of Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olatunji Odeyemi and his deputy, Hon. Saliu Adeoti and replace them with his ‘lackeys.’

“This allegation to sane minds is not only ridiculous but a figment of the imagination of the wrapped minds of some elements whose stock in trade is mischief making.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Ekiti State is among the few States in the country where the legislative arm of government enjoys full autonomy. This was made possible by the Oni-led government because of its belief in the separation of powers as provided for by the Constitution.

“It therefore smacks of mischief for any individual or group to hide under a faceless organisation either by name MAGGIE, CURRY or THYME and be making unfounded allegations against the person of the governor, who from all intents and purposes has shown that he has no reason to interfere in the running of the affairs of other arms of government.

“We therefore wish to state clearly that Governor Oni is not aware of any plot to remove the speaker and his deputy from office and that the governor, not being a lawmaker can never take part in the affairs of the House.”