The Ogun State House of Assembly has cleared its former Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, of an embezzlement allegation associated with his removal from office in 2024.
The lawmakers also resolved to convert his impeachment to a resignation during Wednesday’s plenary session held at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The decision followed the consideration of a report by the Committee of the Whole House, presented by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Lateefat Ajayi.
The report was based on a motion earlier submitted by Oluomo on March 31, seeking the withdrawal of the allegation or the presentation of evidence to substantiate it.
Ajayi moved for the adoption of the report, while the motion was seconded by Mr Yusuf Amosun and subsequently approved through a unanimous voice vote.
The Assembly said its review of the matter showed that the embezzlement allegation was not included in the notice of removal served on the former Speaker.
It further stated that the allegation could not be established against Oluomo based on the evidence available to the House.
The lawmakers said the review was also carried out in consideration of Oluomo’s right to fair hearing under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“The allegation of embezzlement was not contained in the notice of removal served on the former Speaker,” the House stated in its report.
It added that, following a review of the available evidence, the allegation had been withdrawn and would no longer be regarded as one of the grounds for his removal.
The Assembly subsequently resolved to reverse the former Speaker’s impeachment and replace it with resignation.
According to the lawmakers, the resolution was reached in the interest of “camaraderie, unity and harmony” among members of the Assembly.
Oluomo served as Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly before his removal from office in 2024.
