Lawmakers suspend top govt official over live video

The Oyo State House of Assembly has suspended Olusola Oluokun, Chairman of Oyo East Local Government Area, following allegations of gross misconduct.

This decision, passed during Thursday’s plenary session on October 31, 2024, was prompted by a viral video circulating on social media showing Oluokun partially unclothed, eating, and making derogatory comments while praising his political godmother and publicly cursing her opponents.

Watch the video below;

https://x.com/Oyoaffairs/status/1852065702745903438?t=2TqdWR0PfDA3yP8j_Lwz8Q&s=19

The motion for Oluokun’s suspension was brought forth by Akintunde Olajide, the lawmaker representing Lagelu State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. The Assembly viewed the suspension as necessary to uphold accountability and professionalism among public officials.

Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, who presided over the session, expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of exemplary behavior by public officials. He also cautioned local government chairmen against abusing their positions, especially amid growing calls for local government autonomy. “Such conduct is unbecoming for a sitting executive chairman who is expected to be a role model,” the Speaker remarked, underscoring the need for decorum in office.

While some lawmakers, including Rahman Olorunpoto (Oyo East/West) and Gbenga Oyekola (Atiba), appealed to the House to show leniency and consider a warning instead, others rejected the plea, insisting that Oluokun’s suspension should serve as a warning to public officials who disregard the dignity of their offices.

The Speaker concluded by ordering Oluokun to immediately step aside and hand over his duties to the vice chairman pending the outcome of further investigations. He also tasked the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters with conducting a detailed investigation and reporting their findings to the Assembly.