Ogun Speaker, Oluomo Impeached Amid Allegations of Financial Misconduct

 

Kunle Oluomo, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, faced impeachment as 18 out of 26 members voted against him during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The charges levied against Oluomo included alleged embezzlement of funds, highhandedness, and related offences.

The swift response from the Assembly saw the immediate election of Oludaisi Elemide as the new Speaker.

In his inaugural address, Speaker Elemide called for calm among members, stressing that the impeachment was not a targeted move against Governor Dapo Abiodun, contrary to speculations.

He underscored that the proceedings aligned with the constitutional rights of members to elect their leaders.

Following the change in leadership, the House adjourned plenary for two weeks, with Speaker Elemide now in possession of the maze, the symbol of authority within the House.

Notably, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously arraigned Oluomo before a Federal High Court in Lagos on September 6, 2022, over allegations of N2.475bn money laundering.

The charges also implicated three others: Oladapo Samuel, Adeyemo Taiwo, and Adeyanju Nimota Amoke (currently at large). The 11 counts included conspiracy, forgery, stealing, and money laundering.

During the court proceedings, the EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), asserted that the defendants committed the alleged offences between 2019 and 2022, all within Ogun State.

Oyedepo specifically stated that they embezzled N2.475bn from the treasury of the Ogun State House of Assembly.

Despite the serious charges, Oluomo was granted bail, allowing the trial to continue as the legal proceedings unfold.