By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta
The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has delivered a decisive judgment affirming Rt. Hon. Daisi Olusegun Victor Elemide as the substantive Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, putting an end to months of legal uncertainty over the leadership of the legislature.
In its ruling, the appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by the impeached former Speaker, Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, thereby upholding Elemide’s emergence following the controversial impeachment proceedings that rocked the Assembly in January 2024.
Oluomo had approached the court to challenge his removal from office after a majority of lawmakers accused him of financial impropriety, including alleged embezzlement of funds, authoritarian leadership style, gross misconduct, and other legislative infractions. The Assembly, acting on these allegations, proceeded with impeachment proceedings and subsequently elected Elemide as Speaker to avoid a leadership vacuum.
The Court of Appeal, however, ruled that the impeachment process complied with constitutional provisions and the rules guiding the Ogun State House of Assembly. The court’s decision effectively validated the actions of the lawmakers and dismissed claims that due process was breached during Oluomo’s removal.
Legal observers say the judgment removes the last obstacle to stability in the Ogun legislature, as it dispels lingering doubts over the legitimacy of the current leadership. With the litigation now resolved, the Assembly is expected to refocus on lawmaking, oversight, and representation without distractions.
The ruling is being widely regarded as a significant victory for Speaker Elemide and the present leadership of the House, reinforcing institutional authority and strengthening governance in Ogun State.
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