By Adeola Badru
Oyo State last week teetered on the brink of a full-blown political crisis, as a combustible mix of impeachment plots, alleged billion-naira inducements, royal intrigue and intra-party rivalry converged in a drama that has shaken the foundations of power in Ibadan, the state capital.
At the centre of the storm: Governor Seyi Makinde, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and a cast of political heavyweights, with former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose adding fuel to an already raging fire.
What began as whispers of dissent within Oyo State House of Assembly quickly escalated into a multi-layered crisis, one that threatened not only the stability of the legislature but also the executive and the revered traditional institution.
Assembly erupts
The crisis erupted within the state House of Assembly during what was meant to be a routine Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus meeting ahead of legislative business.
Instead, the session descended into a heated confrontation.
Sources familiar with proceedings described the atmosphere as “charged and uneasy,” with lawmakers sharply divided over allegations of an impeachment plot and its wider implications.
“What began as a routine caucus engagement quickly spiralled into a serious confrontation,” a source said, noting that the development exposed “deepening cracks within the ruling party.”
Lawmakers reportedly split into opposing camps, some resisting what they saw as an unjustified attempt to unseat Ogundoyin while others were believed to be aligned with forces pushing for a leadership change.
Allegations swirled that influential figures, believed to be operating within the governor’s camp, were backing moves to remove the Speaker or compel his resignation, claims that, though unverified, heightened fears of a coordinated internal power struggle.
Plot
Running parallel to the leadership tussle was an even more explosive allegation, that of a plot to impeach Makinde himself, reportedly involving financial inducements running into N1 billion.
The claims triggered alarm across political circles, with fears that the state could be heading towards an unprecedented executive-legislative confrontation.
However, denials came swiftly. Dr (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate to Austria, rejected allegations linking her to any such plot.
“At no time did Ambassador Ajimobi convene, attend, or participate in any such meeting, these allegations are entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate act of disinformation,” her statement read.
“Linking me to such a plot is malicious political propaganda designed to malign my reputation.”
She warned that the spread of such claims could heighten political tension and hinted at possible legal action if they were not retracted.
‘I was offered money’
In a dramatic twist, Ogundoyin confirmed that he had indeed been approached with monetary inducement linked to impeachment plans, but rejected it outright.
“I was offered monetary inducement, but I declined without hesitation because no amount of money can buy my conscience,” he said.
“I remain fully committed to upholding the integrity of this House and will not be part of any agenda aimed at destabilising the government.”
He dismissed claims that he received funds from APC proxies as “false and politically motivated”, insisting that no money exchanged hands at any meeting.
The Speaker reaffirmed loyalty to Makinde and the PDP, stressing that he would not betray the mandate of the people.
The enemies within
Yet, insiders suggest the impeachment narrative may have been only part of a broader agenda, with the Speaker himself as the primary target.
A credible Assembly source revealed that the crisis was driven by internal efforts to undermine Ogundoyin’s rising influence and future governorship ambition.
“The Speaker went to the Olubadan for consultation on his gubernatorial ambition. That alone has unsettled some members,” the source said.
“They see him as a force to reckon with, and they want to cut short his political future.”
According to the source, some lawmakers were attempting to lure the Speaker into decisions that could damage his relationship with the governor.
“They are trying to put him in a position of distrust with the governor so they can take over his position.”
The Speaker, however, was said to have remained cautious.
“He has not succumbed to any plan that could create friction between him and the governor.”
The source warned of unintended consequences: “Those spearheading the impeachment plot do not know it could give the opposition APC the opportunity to reclaim the state.”
Makinde steps in
With tensions reaching a boiling point and political circles in Ibadan gripped by anxiety, Makinde convened an urgent meeting with lawmakers.
The intervention proved decisive.
“The meeting with the governor was successful. He made his position clear, and that effectively ended the matter,” a source disclosed.
Another added: “I can tell you authoritatively that the governor has resolved the matter and unity has returned to the House.”
Makinde reportedly directed all lawmakers to close ranks with the existing leadership under the Speaker, emphasising unity, discipline, and stability.
The directive effectively shut down impeachment moves, with lawmakers agreeing to abide by his position.
Normal legislative activities are now expected to resume.
Palace drama
As the Assembly crisis raged, a parallel controversy unfolded within Ibadan’s traditional institution.
Former Ekiti State Governor Fayose alleged that Makinde was plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
“Let me say it again: the current Governor of Oyo State has an agenda to remove the Olubadan,” Fayose declared. “Whatever I say is either because I have the right information or I am privy to certain activities.”
He insisted recent developments had validated his earlier warnings: “What has happened in the last 48 hours has confirmed there is a lot to it… he has not stopped; he will still take steps.”
In a metaphor-laden caution, Fayose warned: “The governor’s tenancy is about to expire… he should not allow his legacy to be damaged.”
‘Hearsay’
In response, the Olubadan struck a conciliatory tone, dismissing suggestions of a crisis.
“Most of what we hear is hearsay. You’ll wonder they said the Olubadan wants to impeach the governor. How do we go about this?” Ladoja said.
He acknowledged the confusion surrounding the unfolding events: “A witch cried yesterday, a child dies today, who does not know it is the witch that killed the child?”
Despite the tension, he expressed confidence in reconciliation: “Ibadan has elders that will always ensure resolution. I am very optimistic the matter will be settled amicably.”
Clarifications, denial
Further attempts were made to calm the situation. Ogundoyin clarified that his visit to the Olubadan was purely consultative and took place weeks earlier: “It was to inform Kabiyesi of my governorship ambition and seek royal blessings, nothing more.”
Similarly, Shola Ladoja, son of the monarch, explained that while the meeting had political undertones, it had no connection to impeachment plots or financial inducements.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said: “We are still assessing the situation and will respond at the appropriate time.”
State on edge
Political observers say the episode underscores a growing struggle for influence within the Assembly, where loyalty to the executive is increasingly being tested by ambition and rival interests.
The crisis also revived earlier warnings attributed to Fayose about potential instability in Oyo’s political structure.
From allegations of ¦ 1 billion inducements to internal sabotage, from governorship ambitions to claims of royal destabilisation, the past week has revealed just how fragile the balance of power in Oyo has become.
Back from the brink
For now, Makinde’s intervention has restored calm. The Assembly leadership remains intact. The governor retains control. The palace stands steady.
But beneath the surface, the fault lines remain.
Oyo has stepped back from the brink, yet the convergence of power, ambition and intrigue suggests that this was not the end of the crisis, but merely an interlude in a longer political battle.
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