The Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday accepted the apology tendered by a member, Ibrahim Shittu, over a defamatory statement and video that breached the ethics and standing rules of the House.

The apology, which had earlier been submitted to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, was formally read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk of the House, Muraina Taiwo-Akinola,

The Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin, on January 20 accused a fellow lawmaker, Mr Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency, of making defamatory and malicious allegations against him and the leadership of the Assembly.

Mr Adedoyin, who represents Ogbomoso South, raised the matter as a personal explanation on the floor during the first plenary sitting for 2026.

The majority leader described the allegations as a grave infringement on his legislative privileges and a direct attack on his integrity and the institution of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

Mr Adedoyin said that the controversy arose from a speech delivered by Mr Shittu during a public programme in Saki Town, which subsequently circulated widely across social media platforms.

Recall that on January 27, Mr Shittu tendered an oral apology which was rejected by the house.

The house stated that the apology failed to meet the ethical standards of the legislature.

In the written apology, Mr Shittu expressed regret over the statement and video, acknowledging that his actions fell short of the ethical standards expected of a member of the assembly.

He admitted that the conduct constituted a breach of House rules and had the potential of bringing the legislature into disrepute.

Ruling on the matter, the speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin accepted the apology, describing the acknowledgment of error and expression of remorse as important steps in preserving the dignity and sanctity of the assembly.

The speaker urged members to always conduct themselves responsibly and to be cautious in their actions and utterances, both within and outside the legislative chambers.

He further reminded lawmakers that their conduct in public spaces reflects on the image and credibility of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

“There’s need for all members to uphold the highest standards of discipline, decorum, and accountability,” he said.

Other lawmakers such as the Minority Leader, Waliu Ayinde and the Chief Whip, Gbenga Oyekola, who doubles as the Chairman on Ethics and Privileges Committee, commended the speaker for handling the matter with the highest level of maturity, wisdom, and statesmanship.

They described his intervention as balanced, firm, and reflective of the dignity of the House. 

(NAN)