Oyo Assembly, APC Clash Over Alleged Harassment Plot
The Oyo State House of Assembly and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are at loggerheads over claims that lawmakers in the opposition are being targeted for intimidation.
The APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde’s loyalists had mobilised thugs to harass opposition lawmakers, particularly Hon. Ibrahim Shittu of Saki West Constituency. The party further accused the Assembly leadership of planning to suspend Shittu via what it described as a “kangaroo panel.”
But in a swift reaction, the Assembly dismissed the allegations as “false, mischievous, and politically motivated.” Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Waheed Akintayo, insisted that the legislature has operated with order and decorum since 2019.
“It is laughable and regrettable that the Oyo APC has descended into desperation. There is no plot, real or imagined, to victimise any lawmaker. Disciplinary actions, when necessary, are always guided by rules and institutional integrity, not vendettas,” Akintayo said.
He also defended the recent approval of a ₦300 billion loan facility, which the APC linked to the alleged harassment. According to him, the emergency sitting that endorsed the loan followed due process and was aimed at fast-tracking infrastructure and socio-economic development across the state.
“The process was transparent, diligent, and fully compliant with legislative procedures,” he stressed.
The Assembly urged the APC to embrace constructive criticism rather than “fear-mongering” and warned against inciting political tension in the state.
“These allegations insult the intelligence of the people of Oyo State and attempt to tarnish the image of a democratic institution. We remain committed to good governance, fairness to all members, and the unity of our state,” the statement added.
