The Oyo State House of Assembly on Monday, 18th July, 2022 has impeached Mr. Rauf Olaniyan as the deputy governor of the state. This was followed by the nomination of Adebayo Lawal, a lawyer and the Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation, as the new deputy governor by Governor Seyi Makinde.

The lawmakers approved the nomination of Adebayo Lawal as a replacement.  The new deputy’s nomination was contained in a letter by the Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to the lawmakers, which was presented at the plenary.  The State’s Chief Judge, Justice Munta Abimbola inaugurated Lawal as Olaniyan’s successor after the approval.

The Deputy Governor’s impeachment by the Peoples’ Democratic Party-dominated House followed the recommendations of the seven-man panel raised by the Chief Judge to probe the allegations of financial recklessness, gross misconduct and insubordination among others levelled against him.

The Speaker of the house, Adebo Ogundoyin, while reading the letter from the Executive, said it was in response to a letter earlier sent by the lawmakers to the governor dated July 18, informing him of Olaniyan’s impeachment.

The Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin, who moved the motion for the removal of Olaniyan also said the nomination of Lawal should be approved in view of his antecedents in contributing to the progress of the state.

Representing Irepo/Olorunsogo State Constituency, Kazeem Olayanju, while seconding the motion said the House should confirm Lawal as the new Deputy Governor of Oyo State.

The swearing-in of Adebayo Lawal, the new Deputy Governor was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

Seyi Makinde while speaking said, “The position of the deputy governor is a position of trust and our masters are the people of the state.

“Let me encourage you to put the interest of the good people of Oyo State first.

“You will continue to supervise the Housing Corporation even from your position as the Deputy Governor. Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency will also be under your direct supervision. The Ministry of Justice will also be under your directive, having served as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the state in time past”; the Governor further stated.

Shortly after the inauguration, Lawal told journalists that his new role would be performed with full trust and loyalty to the government of Oyo State.

The new Deputy Governor thanked the Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for finding him worthy of the task. He assured that he would use all within his disposal to ensure a great service delivery to the people of the state in line with the visions of the Makinde-led administration.

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