Former Ondo Speaker, Hon Bamidele Oloyelogun, may become the first ex-Speaker in the state’s history to face jail time for corruption if found guilty in his ongoing trial. He, alongside former lawmaker Felemu-Gudu Bankole and civil servant Segun Oyadeyi, faces a two-count charge from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding alleged misuse of N2.4 million. Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye, presiding over the case, has set a ruling date expected before December.
The case traces back to a failed 2019 impeachment attempt against then-Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi, which saw Hon Ogundeji Iroju, a former Deputy Speaker, suspended and eventually impeached for resisting the move. Following his removal, Iroju petitioned the EFCC, alleging that funds allocated for a Lagos seminar were instead diverted and shared. Iroju claims those scheduled to attend the event in Lagos remained in Akure, sparking an investigation.
Oloyelogun and his co-defendants argue that the funds were returned to the Ondo Assembly's account due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Endsars disruptions. However, EFCC prosecutor Fredrick Dibang countered that a law passed by the state legislature to block federal EFCC prosecutions does not invalidate EFCC jurisdiction. Justice Adebusoye has permitted the EFCC to continue prosecuting the defendants despite this law.
Oloyelogun insists that the charges are politically motivated, accusing rival political figures of targeting him to derail his National Assembly aspirations. He further argues that he is not responsible for Assembly funds disbursement, denying any personal wrongdoing. Iroju, however, maintains that his petition was merely an effort to dissociate himself from the alleged financial misconduct, citing a need to clear his name.
