The Oyo State House of Assembly has dismissed as baseless and politically motivated the recent allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which claimed a plot to harass and intimidate Honourable Ibrahim Shittu, a lawmaker representing Saki West Constituency.
In a response, the Assembly described the allegations as a “false, mischievous, and ill-conceived narrative” aimed at destabilising the legislative process and misinforming the public.
The APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, alleged that loyalists of Governor Seyi Makinde were mobilising thugs to the Assembly complex to target opposition lawmakers,particularly Hon. Shittu, while also accusing the House leadership of planning to suspend him via a “kangaroo panel.”
However, the Assembly, through a statement issued by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Waheed Akintayo, firmly rejected these claims and called for responsible opposition politics.
Akintayo said, “It is our duty to provide accurate context and facts, and to set the record straight. As a responsible legislative institution with a consistent track record of peaceful and orderly conduct since 2019, we find it both laughable and regrettable that the Oyo APC would descend to such depths of desperation.”
The House emphasised that no plot, real or imagined, exists to victimise any member, adding that disciplinary measures, when taken, are based solely on established rules and the integrity of the institution, not political vendettas.
“The Oyo State House of Assembly remains a bastion of democracy, where all members, regardless of party affiliation, are treated with respect, fairness, and afforded the freedom to express their views,” the statement noted.
The Assembly also took the opportunity to clarify the recently approved ₦300 billion loan facility, which the APC attempted to link with the alleged harassment. According to Akintayo, the emergency sitting that approved the loan was convened in line with due process and in response to the urgent need for infrastructural and socio-economic development across the state.
“The approval process was transparent, diligent, and in full compliance with established legislative procedures,” Akintayo said.
Calling on the APC to refrain from spreading “fear-mongering tactics” and inciting political tension, the Assembly urged the opposition to engage in constructive criticism and demonstrate sincere commitment to the progress of Oyo State.
“These allegations represent a disservice to the legislative arm of government and an insult to the intelligence of the good people of Oyo State,” the statement continued.
Despite the distractions, the Assembly reaffirmed its unwavering focus on its legislative duties and on supporting policies that promote unity, prosperity, and good governance.
“We enjoin all well-meaning stakeholders to disregard the misleading narrative being propagated by the APC and to join hands with the present administration in building a prosperous, peaceful, and united Oyo State.”
