Oyo Assembly Ethics Committee Indicts Saki West Lawmaker Over Viral Video, Rejects Apology
…Case Referred for Further Disciplinary Action
The Oyo State House of Assembly has adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which indicted Hon. Ibrahim Aremu Shittu, the lawmaker representing Saki West State Constituency, over a viral video containing allegations deemed defamatory and damaging to the integrity of the Legislature.
Despite adopting the Committee’s findings and recommendations, the House rejected the apology tendered by Hon. Shittu and referred the matter back to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for further disciplinary recommendations.
The Committee was mandated to investigate the matter following a resolution of the House on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, after the circulation of a video in which Hon. Shittu allegedly 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 the House proceedings.
Presenting the report at plenary, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, disclosed that both Hon. Shittu and Hon. Onaolapo appeared before the Committee on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
He explained that the Committee reviewed relevant legislative instruments, oath of office documents, and the viral footage, noting that due process and the principles of natural justice were fully observed during the investigation.
According to the report, Hon. Shittu’s statements were reckless, unfounded, and capable of undermining public confidence in the Legislature. The Committee further found that the allegations were not supported by credible evidence, violated the rights and privileges of the Majority Leader, and brought the House into disrepute.
Reacting to the report, Hon. Shittu admitted that the claims made in the video were reckless and unfounded, acknowledging that they were disparaging to the personality of the Majority Leader.
Debate on the report drew contributions from lawmakers across party lines. Hon. Luqman Jimoh (Oorelope), who spoke on behalf of the APC caucus, tendered an apology on behalf of the party and appealed for justice tempered with mercy. Similarly, Hon. Sola Owolabi (PDP) urged the House to show leniency.
However, several members faulted the apology offered by Hon. Shittu, describing it as insincere and lacking genuine remorse.
A motion was subsequently moved and seconded for the rejection of the apology. Ruling on the matter, the Speaker held that the apology was inadequate and failed to demonstrate genuine contrition.
The House thereafter referred the case back to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for further recommendations on appropriate disciplinary action.
In its concluding remarks, the Committee warned lawmakers against making unverified public allegations capable of damaging the image and credibility of the Legislature, stressing that future infractions would attract stringent disciplinary measures.
