A member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan North Constituency II, Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel, has strongly dismissed claims of an alleged impeachment plot against the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, declaring that the state legislature remains united and committed to protecting the mandate of the people.
Reacting to reports suggesting that some lawmakers were being mobilised for an impeachment agenda, the lawmaker described the allegations as alarming and unacceptable, warning that any attempt to destabilise the government through inducement or political interference poses a serious threat to democratic governance.
Hon. Gabriel emphasised that the Oyo State House of Assembly is not a marketplace where public trust can be traded for private political interests, insisting that lawmakers remain loyal to their oath of office and the people they represent.
According to him, concerns about the alleged plot were raised during a recent meeting of lawmakers with the Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, where discussions reportedly centred on attempts by certain political actors to create division within the Assembly and influence its proceedings.
He revealed that there were claims that financial inducements ranging from ₦100 million to ₦1 billion per lawmaker were allegedly being offered in a bid to sway legislative actions capable of destabilising the system.
The lawmaker further noted that there were allegations linking Florence Ajimobi to an offer of funds to the Speaker for distribution to lawmakers who might be willing to support such moves, while former governor and current Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was also alleged to have promised financial backing and political incentives to influence loyalty within the Assembly.
However, Hon. Gabriel firmly denied that any member of the House had accepted such offers, stressing that lawmakers remain resolute and united in their support for the present administration.
“No member of the House received any money from anybody. We stand firmly with the Governor and within our party,” he stated.
He warned that if such allegations are proven to be true, they would represent a dangerous assault on democracy, adding that the legislature must never be reduced to a platform where political ambition overrides the collective interest of the people.
Drawing historical parallels, the lawmaker recalled the political crisis that rocked the state in 2007 during the administration of Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, when the Assembly, according to him, was allegedly used in ways that undermined governance and stability in the state.
“That era must not repeat itself. Oyo State cannot afford a return to such destabilising politics,” he cautioned.
Hon. Gabriel also criticised what he described as a growing trend of covert and unhealthy opposition tactics, urging political actors to embrace constructive engagement rather than resorting to inducement and clandestine political manoeuvres.
Reaffirming his position, the lawmaker declared his unwavering loyalty to Governor Seyi Makinde, commending the administration’s focus on governance, infrastructure development, and the welfare of the people.
“Oyo State deserves better than politics driven by desperation and hidden agendas. Our democracy must be protected, and the freely given mandate of the people must remain supreme. My loyalty is with Governor Seyi Makinde,” he said.
