Court upholds Ogun ex-Speaker’s sack

By Kolade Larewaju

ABEOKUTA— AN Abeokuta High Court yesterday upheld the impeachment of the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Titi Oseni, saying that a law court could not adjudicate in the proceedings of the House.

 It would be recalled that the former Speaker, was impeached by 23 of the 26 member-House on 15 May 2008 prompting Oseni to go to court to challenge her removal by the Legislative House.

 Delivering the judgment in the suit yesterday, Justice Tokunbo Olopade declared that the plaintiff’s arguments on the manner of her removal was against the rules, which were binding on the lawmakers. Oseni had prayed the court to declare her impeachment, as well as that of her Deputy, Mr. Ayo Odugbesan illegal, arguing that they were not given fair hearing before they were removed.

 But the Counsel to the Assembly, Mr. Abraham Adeoye, contended that as a member of the House, the procedure of the lawmakers was binding on all the members of the House. He further wondered why such a member would turn around to question her removal, which was part of the ground rules of the Assembly.

The failure of Oseni to withdraw the suit challenging her impeachment from the court led to her suspension on 3 March 2009, while the lawmakers vowed that she would remain suspended until she withdrew the suit from the court.