𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠:𝐎𝐲𝐨 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐢 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨, 𝐑𝐞𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲

The Oyo State House of Assembly has adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, indicting the lawmaker representing Saki West State Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Aremu Shittu, over a viral video in which he made allegations deemed defamatory and injurious to the integrity of the legislature.

Despite accepting the committee’s findings and recommendations, the House on Tuesday rejected the apology tendered by Hon. Shittu and referred the matter back to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for further disciplinary action.

The committee was mandated to investigate the matter following a resolution of the House on January 20, 2026, after the viral footage surfaced. In the video, Hon. Shittu was alleged to have accused the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), of receiving bribes from the Chairman of Saki West Local Government, while also making disparaging remarks about the Speaker and proceedings of the House.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, disclosed that both Hon. Shittu and Hon. Onaolapo appeared before the committee on January 22, 2026. He said the committee examined relevant legislative instruments, oath of office provisions, and the viral footage, noting that due process and principles of natural justice were fully observed.

According to the report, Hon. Shittu’s statements were reckless, unfounded, and unsupported by credible evidence, and were capable of eroding public confidence in the Oyo State House of Assembly. The committee held that the allegations violated the rights and privileges of the Majority Leader and brought the legislature into disrepute.

During deliberations, lawmakers across party lines made contributions. Hon. Luqman Jimoh (Oorelope), who spoke on behalf of the APC caucus, tendered an apology on behalf of the party and appealed for leniency, while Hon. Sola Owolabi (PDP) also urged the House to temper justice with mercy.

However, several lawmakers faulted the apology submitted by Hon. Shittu, describing it as insincere and lacking genuine remorse. A motion was subsequently moved and seconded to reject the apology.

Ruling on the matter, the Speaker upheld the motion, declaring the apology inadequate and ordering that the case be referred back to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for further recommendations on appropriate disciplinary measures.

The committee, in its report, warned members against making unverified public allegations capable of damaging the image of the legislature, stressing that future infractions would attract stiffer sanctions.