The Olubadan Rashidi Ladoja and Florence Ajimobi have denied allegations that they attempted to influence lawmakers in the Oyo State House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against Gov. Seyi Makinde.
The claims surfaced Tuesday after the Speaker of the Oyo Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, was linked to an alleged plot involving meetings with the monarch and Ajimobi’s widow.
In a statement, Chief Whip Gbenga Oyekola said Ogundoyin had disclosed being invited by both Ladoja and Ajimobi, where he was allegedly offered political support and financial inducement to pursue a governorship ambition and facilitate Makinde’s removal. Oyekola said the Speaker declined the offers.
Oyekola denied any involvement in such discussions, describing the alleged meetings as an attempt to destabilize the state and create division within the legislature.
“I was never invited, never consulted, and was not part of any such arrangements,” he said, reaffirming loyalty to the governor.
Several lawmakers also issued statements distancing themselves from any impeachment plan and pledging support for Makinde.
Reacting, Ladoja, through his media aide, dismissed the allegation as false and warned against involving the traditional institution in partisan politics.
“To say the least, this is a lie,” the statement said, adding that a monarch has no constitutional role in the impeachment of a governor.
Ajimobi, in a separate statement, described the allegation as “entirely false” and “a deliberate act of disinformation,” denying any meeting or attempt to influence lawmakers.
“At no time did I participate in any meeting to discuss impeachment or destabilize the government,” she said.
Ogundoyin also denied receiving money or agreeing to any plan to remove the governor, calling the claims politically motivated.
“No money exchanged hands at any meeting,” he said, adding that he rejected all offers and remains loyal to the governor and the ruling party.
The Speaker said his visit to Ladoja was purely consultative and related to his governorship ambition, noting that it took place weeks earlier in line with tradition.
Meanwhile, Shola Ladoja said he facilitated a meeting between Ogundoyin and his father at the Speaker’s request, but denied any discussion of impeachment. He said the monarch only offered advice and prayers.
In a separate development, some lawmakers alleged that the Federal Government was behind the purported impeachment plot due to Makinde’s opposition to President Bola Tinubu.
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress rejected the claim, describing it as a “script” aimed at generating sympathy for the governor.
In a statement, the party said no external forces were pursuing impeachment and accused Makinde of attempting to distract the public from political challenges.
A member of the House of Representatives, Abass Adigun, dismissed the alleged plot as baseless and accused unnamed actors of trying to create tension in the state.
Former Assembly Speaker Adeolu Adeleke called on Ogundoyin to identify those behind the alleged inducement, questioning inconsistencies in his statements.
Separately, former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose reiterated claims that Makinde was involved in a plot to dethrone the Olubadan, saying he stood by his earlier assertions.
The developments have heightened political tension in Oyo State amid conflicting claims and denials over alleged moves to remove the governor.
