By Editorial Board
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently praised the judiciary for saving democracy during his impeachment ordeal. He called himself “a proud beneficiary of a fair and fearless bench”, standing firm while political forces tried to crush the rule of law.
Just days later, Hon. Fatai Atere representing Akoko North West Constituency 1 dropped a bombshell: the Ondo State House of Assembly, under Speaker Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, almost carried out a kangaroo impeachment, bending to political pressure and betraying every citizen it represents.
“We orchestrated a kangaroo impeachment against the deputy governor, now the governor. I personally signed, but withdrew when conscience and BTO’s intervention intervened,” Atere admitted.
The message is clear: while the judiciary showed courage, the Assembly acted like a rubber stamp for political whims, ignoring law, ethics, and duty.
A Legislature Without Conscience
Atere’s confession is damning. The Assembly signed papers against their conscience, fully aware they were acting under pressure.
“When we were asked to impeach the deputy governor, now the governor, I personally signed against my conscience,” he said.
This is not politics — it’s a betrayal of democracy. The Assembly is supposed to check executive excess, yet it almost became a tool for chaos. Citizens are left asking: who do these lawmakers serve — the people or political masters?
Judiciary vs. Legislature: A Stark Contrast
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s praise of the judiciary was also a quiet rebuke to the House.
“The autonomy of the judiciary is not being delayed by me. The committee to finalise the process has been established. Once their report is ready, I’ll approve it immediately — there’s ink in my red pen.”
The judiciary acted with integrity, embraced reforms, and strengthened democracy. The Assembly, under Speaker Oladiji, collapsed at the whisper of political deals. One arm of government preserved the people’s mandate; the other almost destroyed it.
Time for Apology and Redemption
The Ondo State House of Assembly cannot escape its shame. It nearly plunged the state into chaos for the sake of politics. A public apology to Governor Aiyedatiwa — and the people of Ondo State — is overdue.
Redemption requires courage, humility, and honesty. Until the Assembly owns up, citizens will continue to ask:
Who truly represents us — judges who defended justice, or lawmakers who betrayed it under Speaker Oladiji’s leadership?
