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Lagos Lawmakers Bare their Views on Impeachment Threat against Ambode

Published

6 years ago

January 29, 2019

Eric

The Lagos State House of Assembly Monday threatened to commence impeachment procedure against the State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, over alleged misconduct.

Below are comments credited to some honorable members of the house as regards the event and the governor…

Rewriting of the budget is an impeachable offence. The government has been shut down and our roads are in a sorry state. There must be continuity of projects in the budget and this is not followed. Borrowing without informing the House is impeachable. IPP is being owed. If the governor is tired, he should resign… Hon Rotimi Olowo

When you apply for a job, and you are given, if you are tired, you can leave. If the governor is tired, he should go. The budget is a law, when we pass a budget, they rewrite their own. What they say is that they are above the law. If you go to Alausa today, all the MDAs are shut down. All their files are with the governor and he did not work on them… Hon Moshood Oshun

This is a non-compliance with the rule of law. The state is about to be totally shut down, so we should checkmate the situation. If the governor is tired, he should throw in the towel. We cannot keep on standstill because some people are tired …Hon Richard Kasunmu

Three years down the lane, the executive cannot tell the people of Lagos that they don’t know what they are doing. It is obvious that the governor is tired, so they should all go. They even made a mistake in the letter they wrote to the House. Lagos State used to present its budget before others even before the federal government. They ought to work based on the budget or they come for reordering. All government agencies have been rendered useless, civil servants are sleeping in their offices. The State House of Assembly must approve the budget. We must pass a vote of no confidence on the Attorney General, commissioners for budget, finance, the governor and the deputy governor… Hon Rasheed Makinde

The governor has always been disobeying our motions. They refused to follow our motions on the environment, which is why everywhere is dirty. If you look at the various projects not provided for in the budget that are being done, then it is breach of the constitution. The people concerned should resign before we invoke the aspect of the constitution that gives us power to remove them from office. We should make it clear that there have been warnings from us… Hon Yinka Ogundimu

This is a matter of constitutionality and it is about the law. We all swore to uphold the law. If you breach the law, there is a consequence and the best is for the House to begin an impeachment process… Hon Sola Giwa

There is no need for virement according to the constitution. I don’t think there is any budget before the House. The constitution states that the budget must be laid and it is a gross misconduct. So, we should do the needful… Hon Victor Akande

We received the money from Paris Fund and other funds, the executive did not take permission before they spent the money… Hon Fatai Mojeed

The government is not moving forward. Our party is the APC and we are doing well. The government is not putting us in the light and we have the opposition that are watching us. No budget has been laid before the House; the key members such as attorney general, commissioners for finance and commissioner for budget and economic planning. The needful is impeachment… Hon. Jude Idimogu

I support the fact that they should resign if they are tired… Hon Noheem Raheem

This is a deliberate attempt by the governor not to bring the budget before the House. He is surrounded by erudite lawyers that ought to have advised him. Public works, LAWMA, IPP are more working. If it would be necessary to sign and send him out of office it would be okay… Hon Fatai Oluwa

It is clear that there are infractions and impeachable offence committed. The defences of the commissioners are not tenable… Hon Oladele Adekanye

There have been abuse of the constitution and disobedient to the constitution. Spending without making recourse to the Assembly is an impeachable offence. The best thing is to show him that we are representing our people and that we are not here for fun. The beat thing is to let them know that we mean business. The permanent secretary/accountant general that is talking about 25% spending should be brought to book… Hon Sabur Olayiwola

The financial misconduct of the governor is obvious and we should begin an impeachment process… Hon Akeem Shokunle

The situation is an unfortunate one. Section 121 of the constitution states the appropriation bill should be laid before the House and this has not been done. It is an abuse of office and an undue influence by the governor. We can start an impeachment process and pass a vote of no confidence on some of the members of the executive… Hon Mosunmola Sangodara

We are the voice of the people of Lagos state and we perform oversight functions to ensure that the government do the best for the people. Accountability is not being done here. Section 121 made it clear that the appropriation bill should be laid before the house. Section 122 states that if that has been done, you can now spend 25% of the budget estimate for a period of six months. We need to forward the infractions to the Governor. The tax payers should know what their money is being spent on… Hon Funmilayo Tejuosho

The infractions are too grave, there is a problem and we need to do what is right. The government must be held responsible for their actions… Hon Setonji David

The governor and his Deputy should tender their resignation letter… Hon Akeem Bello

I am sad over the revelations by what the deputy speaker reads and during out interactions with the executive. The business of governance is not based on sentiments, it is based on law. Section 120 of the constitution that talks about the public fund is very important. Public fund does not belong to any of us, it belongs to the people of Lagos state. Section 120 subsection two states that no money should be withdrawn from the accounts of the states unless it is approved by the House. All the violations amount to gross misconduct. Section 188 subsection defines gross misconduct. We strongly believe that essential services that ought to be met are missing in the state. I am in line with the statement and decisions of the members that if the executive members are not ready for governance, they should resign or should be impeached… Hon Dayo Saka-Fafunmi

The constitution is clear that there is punishment for any offence… Hon Mojisola Miranda

I want to support my colleagues that the offences are impeachable and we should activate the process immediately… Hon Dayo Famakinwa

There is a vagrant abuse of the constitution, which is an impeachable offence… Hon Folajinmi Mohammed

It is an issue of flagrant disobedient to the constitution. A review of a previous year’s budget is a precursor to the approval of the new budget. A review of the 2018 budget shows poor performance. MDAs complained of inability to access their funds. All these infractions should be communicated to the governor for his reaction and if he fails to do so, the House can begin a process of impeachment… Hon Lanre Ogunyemi

Today is a sad day. The executive just moved money from one ministry to another without recourse to the Assembly. When all these happen, it shows a total disregard to the budget being passed by the House. We should get across to the Governor to explain himself or else we should begin an impeachment process… Hon Omotayo Oduntan

There are three arms of government of which the executive is one. Our government is still running and not shut down. What we want to do is to ensure that the infractions from one arm of government does not affect another. It is clear that the budget has not been presented before the House. My colleagues have addressed all the issues. We should let the public know that we do not have the budget before the House. Three suggestions we made, that the commissioners, who were approved by the House and are working with the governor should have vote of no confidence passed on them. They have failed in their responsibilities. The next is for the governor to resign or we should begin an impeachment process against the Governor. We can communicate to him to reign or failure to do that is for us to start collecting signatures of lawmakers so that we can be seeing to have done our job… Hon Sanai Agunbiade

I want to adopt what has been done without wasting much time. There have been some infractions on the part of the Governor and the position of the law is clear… Hon Rotimi Abiru

Hon Wahab Jimoh

I saw this coming like an ocean surge. The attorney general wrote the House to withdraw the private member bills before the House. I had been noticing that there would be crisis. The report I saw with the deputy speaker shows that the 2019 is being implemented… Hon Wahab Jimoh

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Ooni Felicitates with Bashorun Dele Momodu on His 65th Birthday

Published

9 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Eric

The House of Oduduwa, under the leadership of Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife joyfully celebrates a distinguished son of source, Bashorun Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu, as he marks his 65th birthday.

Born in the sacred city of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilization, Bashorun Dele Momodu’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global media icon epitomizes his delegence, bravery and wisdom. Despite losing his father at the tender age of 13, he rose above challenges, guided by the unwavering support of his mother and the nurturing environment of the House of Oduduwa.

An alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, he earned degrees in Yoruba and English Literature, reflecting a deep appreciation for his cultural heritage and a commitment to intellectual excellence. His early career saw him serve as a private secretary to the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and later manage Motel Royal Limited under the auspices of the late Ooni Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II.

Bashorun Momodu’s foray into journalism began with African Concord magazine, leading to prominent roles in various publications. His unwavering commitment to truth and justice was evident during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles, where he faced persecution for his beliefs, eventually leading to exile. Undeterred, he founded Ovation International in 1996, a magazine that has since become a beacon of African excellence, celebrating achievements across the continent.

His contributions extend beyond media; as a political commentator and former presidential aspirant, he embodies the Yoruba enigmatic excellence. His insights and advocacy continue to shape national discourse, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

As he celebrates 65 years, the House of Oduduwa honours Bashorun Dele Momodu’s indelible impact on journalism, culture, and national development. May the blessings of the ancestors continue to guide him, and may his legacy inspire generations to come.

Igba odun, odun kan ni!
Afon a gbo ko to wo!

Signed:
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace,
Ile-Ife.

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Momodu: The Babalawo of Nigerian Media

Published

14 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Eric

Sixty-five today, the publisher of Ovation International, Chief Ayobamidele Momodu, is a pride, not just of the media but the nation. Olawale Olaleye writes.

Chief Ayobamidele Momodu’s story of grass to grace is public knowledge. All of the information is already out there. This is because he discusses his life and its intricate trajectory at every given opportunity with glee and self-esteem.

At the punch of a button, you’d have all you need to knowabout this proud media guru and indigene of Edo State, who chose to “naturalise” in Yorubaland, making Ile-Ife, the source, his birth station. Little wonder, his other names include Ojutelegan Ajani.

With a bit of mild activism spurred by instinctive resentment to abuse of any sort, this celebrated writer has conquered where many could not even dare. And, where many had failed, Bob Dee, as everyone calls him, is not one to be stifled by the failures of others. He’d rather make his own mistakes and learn from them.

His indomitable spirit, typical of the average Nigerian – man or woman – who carries him or herself with rare confidence and self-worth, is also why life has been unable to relegate him in the scheme of things.

He does not only catch up with trends in journalism and communications in general, but he always makes a conscious decision at self-development, just to stay active on the job, timelessly. That he has remained relevant for several decades is not a function of accident.

His willingness and readiness to help others, no matter what the issues are, is one trait that speaks to his individuality, and clearly a reflection of his thorough upbringing and the tolerant Yoruba environment, where life began for him – diped in the milk of kindness and their cultural hospitality.

With an enduring voyage on the media landscape, cutting across imposing brands and years of solid experience before setting out to do something different, not before building solid and expensive contacts in this multidisciplinary calling, it simply belies logic that anyone at all would question whether or not Bob Dee is a journalist?

With tongue-in-cheek and evident cynicism, an aide to the Minister of the FCT, LereOlayinka, during a recent interview on the Arise News Television, questioned Bob Dee’s journalism background. For convenient mischief, he’d rather he was a Babalawo because he studied Yoruba as his first degree. The effrontery alone is appalling!

A graduate of Yoruba and Master’s in English Literature from the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 1982, Momodu got his first media job as staff writer with African Concord magazine, owned by the late Chief MKO Abiola, and later transferred to the Weekend Concord as a pioneer staff.

This graduate of Yoruba wrote the first cover story for the newspaper in March 1989, and contributed to other titles such as the National Concord, Sunday Concord, Business Concord and of course, his turf, the Yoruba newspaper, Isokan.

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Ààrę @65! My Testament of a Good Man

Published

18 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Eric

By Seyi Orolugbagbe

The first time I ran into Joseph Ayobamidele Dada Ojutęlęgan Ajani Oluwaseun Momodu, after our Ifę days, was during one of my visits home, from the US, in the early 1990s.

So I was exiting the Abiola’s house while he was entering. We exchange greetings, having not seen since he left Ile-Ifę. But he did something so profound, by remembering to ask after my dad, whom by all consideration, is essentially one of the most, if not the most important human being to me. The truth is our relationship, and indeed my regards for him gained a higher ascendancy even from then. Then Bob Dee, as fondly called by most, suggested a spread, coming from his expertise in celebrity management for our newly established dealership in Victoria Island, Lagos. An experience he packaged and presented so meticulously well, and which helped in launching the new business, as a brand, fully and permanently in the Nigerian business firmament.

Additionally, his would-be wife and mine, happened to have been longstanding friends, having grown up in Ibadan and been Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ifę students, during same period. This would further deepen the relationships, to the extent families were brought together on both sides and parents became increasingly involved and closer, virtually becoming one large family and friendships grew larger, such that it got the Ààrę, to uncommonly but profoundly, name my daughter after his mom, Arikę. Our own great Ààrę would have showed up for me, in ways more than innumerable, in aspects, scenarios and capacities unfathomable or perhaps almost beyond human comprehension.

These are however my personal accounts. Those of others are certainly uncountable. Ààrę would make it a point of duty, even when not fashionable, nor convenient for him, to check up on everyone intermittently.
How can I forget how he would veer out, flying all the way to California, to spend time with us, or to call us up every time he set foot on the American soil, whenever he couldn’t fly in.

Then came his foray into politics, especially the very recent exercise; where it became incumbent on me to virtually step aside from every other thing in order to support him, by focusing and concentrating on prosecuting the political process and activities of running for the office of the president of Nigeria, as a gesture of appreciation.

We certainly weathered a lot together during the period. I must however state, unequivocally, that the storms and challenges, as daunting as they may have seemed, were not as nearly as important than the prospects of the gratifying feeling, the satisfaction and the accomplishment of working closely with the Onigege Ara of Joga-Orile, the Bashorun of Oke-Ila-Orangun, Ehanikhaye of Ihievbe Kingdom, Ààrę of Iwo Kingdom, the Akinrogun of Gbonganland, to list only a few, on these and similar projects. Our Bob Dee sir, olowori Yeye Ààrę Mobolaji Abiodun, Ana Adaramaja, n’Ijębu-Igbo, may the line continue to fall for you in pleasant places sir. May you continue to find God’s favor, grace, bias, kindness, joy, love, happiness and unequaled vista of good health. Your kind is truly rare.

Happy 65th Birthday Elder statesman, Omo aroti wę bi ojo, Omo o ji l’oru kę yin yin, Omo obęriri l’okun!