Why we removed Speaker Oluomo, by Ogun lawmaker

Ogun Assembly lawmaker, Damilola Soneye, has explained why the embattled former speaker, Kunle Oluomo, was removed.Soneye, an All Progressives Congress (APC) legislator representing Obafemi Owode State Constituency, said Oluomo was removed following alleged gross misconduct.

He said the office of the speaker is expected to be first among equals, but noted that Oluomo, until his removal, was carrying on as if his colleagues were lesser lawmakers.

“Oluomo was removed due to gross misconduct, which borders on high handedness, lack of focus and transparency, arrogance and poor leadership style, financial misappropriation and inciting members against one another,” he said.

The former speaker was removed by 18 lawmakers during plenary. Ogun State has 26-member Assembly. It was not clear if Oluomo’s supporters were in attendance, since 18 lawmakers signed the notice of removal.

The plenary was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Bolanle Ajayi (APC-Yewa South).

Oludaisi Elemide, a member representing Odeda Constituency, was elected to replace Oluomo representing Ifo 1 State Constituency.Mr. Adegoke Adeyanju (APC-Yewa North 1) moved the motion for the speaker’s removal and it was seconded by Mr Ademola Adeniran (APC-Sagamu11).

Speaking to reporters after he was elected as the new speaker, Elemide said the citizens should expect the best from him.

He said: “We are law-abiding legislators. We want the world to know that there has been change in leadership.

“Eighteen members signed for me to be the speaker. People should remain calm. We are in custody of the authority of the house. We are saying the new leadership will support the governor.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun does not know anything about this removal.”