The Oyo State House of Assembly has impeached the state’s deputy governor, Rauf Olaniyan, on the basis of allegations regarding gross misconduct and financial impropriety, while the former Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Abdulraheem Lawal was sworn to replace him.
Following the report of the seven-man panel constituted by the Chief Judge of the state to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the deputy governor, he was found guilty of all allegations.
“I hereby, recommend for the approval of the house, pursuant to section 188 (19) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as ammended) that the deputy governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, stand removed from from office with effect from today, Monday July 18, 2022,” the panel recommended.
The former Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as well as the immediate past chairman of the state’s Housing Corporation, has been sworn in as the new deputy governor of the state.
After taking an oath of office administered by the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Muntar Abimbola, Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde charged him to put the interest of the state first and serve the state diligently in his new capacity.
He stated:
“The position is that of trust. Our masters are the people of Oyo State and our responsibility is to continue to serve them to the best of our abilities and deliver good governance to them.
“Let me encourage you to put the interest of the people of Oyo State first. You will continue to supervise the Housing Corporation even from this position. Also, the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, OYSTROMA, will be under your direct supervision.
“Finally, you have operated as the Attorney-General of this state before. So, the Ministry of Justice will also be under your watch.
“Our people expect so much from us because to whom much is given, much is expected. This is the campaign season but here in Oyo State, we will continue to work for the good of our people throughout this season.”
In response, the newly sworn in deputy governor appreciated Governor Makinde for nominating him as his running mate for the 2023 governorship election, saying that his debt of gratitude is limitless.
“I have to give my gratitude to His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, who nominated me as his running mate towards 2023. My debt of gratitude is limitless.
“As you have witnessed this happen, I did not notice he was monitoring my activities as the chairman of the Housing Corporation, but it was manifested today.”
He added:
“This is a challenge to me as a person and to all of us in Oyo State to cooperate, with the view of moving the government forward in all ramifications.
“We are already entering the campaign season but jumping into the season is not enough, we have to trace back to the last three years and see what has been achieved.
“So, this is what I have come on board to complement the already established achievements provided by this administration.”
