..Refers Case For Further Action
The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which indicted Hon. Ibrahim Aremu Shittu, Member representing Saki West State Constituency, over a viral video in which he made allegations considered defamatory and damaging to the integrity of the Legislature.
However, despite accepting the Committee’s report and all its recommendations, the House rejected the apology tendered by Hon. Shittu and referred the matter back to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for further disciplinary recommendations.
The Ethics Committee had been mandated to investigate the viral footage following a resolution of the House on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Hon. Shittu was alleged to have publicly accused the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), of receiving bribes from the Chairman of Saki West Local Government, while also casting disparaging remarks on the Speaker and the House proceedings.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, said both lawmakers appeared before the Committee on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The Committee reviewed legislative instruments, oath of office documents, and the viral video footage, ensuring that due process and principles of natural justice were fully observed.
According to the report, Hon. Shittu’s statements were reckless, unfounded, and capable of undermining public confidence in the Legislature.
The Committee found that the allegations lacked credible proof, infringed on the rights and privileges of the Majority Leader, and brought the House into disrepute.
While reacting to the report, Hon. Shittu admitted that he made reckless and unfounded claims in the viral video which were disparaging to the personality of the Majority leader.
Lawmakers from both parties contributed to the debate.
Hon. Luqman Jimoh (Oorelope), representing the APC caucus to which Hon. Shittu belongs, tendered an apology on behalf of the party and appealed that the House tendered justice with mercy, while Hon. Sola Owolabi (PDP) also pleaded for leniency.
However, other members in their contributions faulted the apology made by Hon. Shittu, describing it as insincere and lacking genuine remorse.
Consequently, a Motion was moved to reject his apology.
The Motion was duly seconded, prompting the Speaker to rule on the matter.
Following deliberations, the Speaker ruled that Hon. Shittu’s apology be rejected, citing its inadequacy and lack of genuine contrition.
The House thereafter referred the matter back to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for further recommendations on appropriate disciplinary action.
In the report, the Ethics and Privileges Committee cautioned members against making unverified public allegations that could damage the reputation of the Legislature, with the assurance that future infractions would attract stringent disciplinary measures.
