The Oyo State House of Assembly has adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which indicted the lawmaker representing Saki West State Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Aremu Shittu, over a viral video containing allegations deemed defamatory and injurious to the integrity of the legislature.
The House, however, rejected the apology tendered by the lawmaker and referred the matter back to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for further disciplinary recommendations.
The Committee was mandated to investigate the viral video following a resolution of the House on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. In the footage, Hon. Shittu was alleged to have accused the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), of collecting bribes from the Chairman of Saki West Local Government, while also making disparaging remarks against the Speaker and the House proceedings.
Presenting the Committee’s report, its Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, disclosed that both Hon. Shittu and the Majority Leader appeared before the Committee on Thursday, January 22, 2026. He said the Committee reviewed relevant legislative instruments, the oath of office, and the viral footage, noting that due process and the principles of natural justice were fully observed in the investigation.
According to the report, the statements made by Hon. Shittu were reckless, unsubstantiated, and capable of eroding public confidence in the legislature. The Committee further held that the allegations lacked credible evidence, infringed on the rights and privileges of the Majority Leader, and brought the House into disrepute.
While reacting to the report on the floor of the House, Hon. Shittu admitted that he made reckless and unfounded claims in the viral video, acknowledging that the statements were disparaging to the personality of the Majority Leader.
Debate on the report attracted contributions from lawmakers across party lines. Hon. Luqman Jimoh (Oorelope), who spoke on behalf of the APC caucus to which Hon. Shittu belongs, tendered an apology on behalf of the party and appealed to the House to temper justice with mercy. Similarly, Hon. Sola Owolabi (PDP) also pleaded for leniency.
However, several members faulted the apology, describing it as inadequate, insincere, and lacking genuine remorse. Consequently, a motion was moved and seconded to reject the apology.
Ruling on the matter after deliberations, the Speaker held that the apology was insufficient and devoid of genuine contrition, and therefore upheld its rejection. The House subsequently referred the case back to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for further recommendations on appropriate disciplinary action.
In its concluding remarks, the Committee cautioned lawmakers against making unverified public allegations capable of damaging the image and credibility of the legislature, warning that future infractions would attract stiffer disciplinary measures.
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