For allegedly conducting himself in a violent manner at plenary among other misconduct, the Ekiti State House of Assembly has suspended Hon. Sunday Akinniyi, who represents Ikere constituency II from the Assembly.
The lawmaker, who is the oldest among the legislators, was recently removed as the Chief Whip of the House.
The suspension followed the submission of the report of an Ad hoc disciplinary committee of the House, headed by Hon. Fajemilehin Ayodele.
The allegations levelled against the lawmaker included: violent conduct against other members, absenteeism, sleeping on duty, gross abuse of office, anti party activities and engaging in activities capable of bringing down the dignity of the House.
Though, Akinniyi was said to have been removed as the chief whip based on the foregoing allegations, but it was gathered that his suspension was due to his fraternity with former Minister of Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye.
The Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose was said to have felt betrayed by Akinniyi’s support for Adeyeye at the party’s primary against his preferred candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.
Other lawmakers alleged to have supported Adeyeye, like the former Deputy Speaker Segun Adewumi have been removed from their positions as principal officers.
The duo of Adewumi and Akinniyi were rumoured to have the intention of formally defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, but later postponed the action for undisclosed reasons.
In his report submitted to the assembly, Fajemilehin disclosed that all efforts geared towards getting the lawmaker to defend himself proved abortive due to his refusal to honour the invitation of the committee.
Members present at plenary aligned with the report of the committee and called for appropriate disciplinary measure against the lawmaker.
Hons Temitope Fasanmi, Akinleye Ekundayo, Afolabi Akanni and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Animasaun Adesina, condemned the lawmaker’s attitude and described his recent actions as highly unbecoming of an honourable member.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Omotoso Samuel, described as “unfortunate the actions of the lawmaker but said that anything that would bring the House to disrepute should be rejected by all”.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Kola Oluwawole said: “From the submissions of members and the committee, it has been established that Hon. Akinniyi Sunday had been threatening the symbol of authority in the Assembly through his actions.
“The actions of Hon. Akinniyi was unfortunate and it won’t be tolerated,” he stated.
The Leader of Business, Hon Akinyele Olatunji, moved the motion for the indefinite suspension of the lawmaker and was unanimously approved by other members present at plenary.
