Enimere Àkànbí
The Oyo State House of Assembly has adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which indicted Member representing Saki West State Constituency, Honourable Ibrahim Aremu Shittu, over a viral video in which he made allegations considered defamatory and damaging to the integrity of the Legislature.
However, despite accepting the Committee’s report and all its recommendations, the House rejected the apology tendered by Hon. Shittu, and referred the matter back to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for further disciplinary recommendations.
The Ethics Committee had been mandated to investigate the viral footage following a resolution of the House on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Honourable Shittu, was alleged to have publicly accused the Majority Leader, Honourable Sanjo Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), of receiving bribes from the Chairman of Saki West Local Government, while also casting disparaging remarks on the Speaker and the House proceedings.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Gbenga Oyekola, said both lawmakers appeared before the Committee on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The Committee reviewed legislative instruments, oath of office documents, and the viral video footage, ensuring that due process and principles of natural justice were fully observed.
According to the report, Honourable Shittu’s statements were reckless, unfounded, and capable of undermining public confidence in the Legislature.
The Committee found that the allegations lacked credible proof, infringed on the rights and privileges of the Majority Leader, and brought the House into disrepute.
While reacting to the report, Honourable Shittu, admitted that he made reckless and unfounded claims in the viral video which were disparaging to the personality of the Majority leader.
Lawmakers from both parties contributed to the debate.
Contributing, lawmakers from both parties, including Honourable Luqman Jimoh (Oorelope), representing the APC caucus to which Honourable Shittu, belongs, tendered an apology on behalf of the party and appealed that the House tendered justice with mercy, while Hon. Sola Owolabi (PDP) also pleaded for leniency.
However, other members in their contributions faulted the apology made by Honourable Shittu, describing it as insincere and lacking genuine remorse.
Consequently, a Motion was moved to reject his apology.
The Motion was duly seconded, prompting the Speaker to rule on the matter.
Following deliberations, the Speaker ruled that Hon. Shittu’s apology be rejected, citing its inadequacy and lack of genuine contrition.
The House thereafter referred the matter back to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for further recommendations on appropriate disciplinary action.
In the report, the Ethics and Privileges Committee, cautioned members against making unverified public allegations that could damage the reputation of the Legislature, with the assurance that future infractions would attract stringent disciplinary measures.
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