Oyo CJ constitutes investigative panel for Deputy Gov’s impeachment

Oyo CJ constitutes investigative panel for Deputy Gov’s impeachment

Oyo Chief Judge Munta Abimbola has constituted a seven-man panel to investigate Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan for alleged impeachable offences.

He attributed the delay in constitution of the panel to suit against it by Olaniyan.

Abimbola made the clarifications while constituting the panel on Thursday.

It was reported the move followed a directed to the CJ by Oyo lawmakers in a bid to remove the Deputy Governor from office.

An Oyo High Court presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola on Thursday dismissed a suit filed by Olaniyan challenging the propriety of the procedures by the lawmakers.

But, Olaniyan through his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, immediately filed a notice of appeal and an application for stay of execution of the judgement at the Appeal court barely an hour after the judgement was delivered.

The investigative panel as constituted by the CJ is to be chaired by Chief Kayode Christopher.

Other members of the panel include: Arc. Adebisi Soyombo; Chief Lawal Adekunle Dauda; Princess Olanike Olusegun; Rev Fr. Patrick Ademola; Chief Mrs Wuraola Adepoju (JP) and Alh. Tirimisiyu Akewusola Badmus.

A statement by the Court’s Information Officer, Mrs Comfort Udoh, said the members of the panel were “found worthy to be men of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political parties have been constituted to investigate the allegations against the deputy governor as provided under section 188(5) of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

It added the CJ reached the resolve on the members after due consultation with relevant stakeholders including, Muslim community, Christian community, Justice of peace (JP) and legal profession among others.