Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan, has described his impeachment in 2022 as a “kangaroo” process orchestrated by individuals in Governor Seyi Makinde’s inner circle. In an exclusive interview, Olaniyan alleged that backbiters within the government spread falsehoods about him, leading to his removal.
“People surrounding him (Governor Makinde) felt so threatened about me and started backbiting, saying all sorts of things behind me to the governor. He knew I wasn’t a bad man to him, but some people were bent on getting me out of the government,” Olaniyan stated. He revealed that some of these individuals admitted their roles in his impeachment, including one person who confronted him at an airport after his removal.
Olaniyan was impeached on July 18, 2022, following allegations of insubordination, gross misconduct, and financial impropriety. The Oyo State House of Assembly approved the findings of a seven-member investigative panel constituted by the Chief Judge. However, Olaniyan dismissed the accusations, calling them a deliberate ploy to tarnish his reputation and justify his impeachment.
“You know that when you want to stone or kill a dog, you must call the dog a bad name. How much is the deputy governor’s lodge? To the glory of God, the cost of the lodge is nothing to me. But you have to call a dog a bad name to hang it,” Olaniyan said.
Loyalty Questioned but Denied
One of the key allegations against Olaniyan was disloyalty to Governor Makinde. However, the former deputy governor insisted that he was always respectful and fully understood the importance of loyalty, given his long experience in government.
“When I got to the office in the morning, I would go to the governor’s office first to ask if there was any assignment for me. There was one day I told the governor that there is none of the executive members that gives him as much respect as I do,” he said.
Olaniyan described the allegation of disloyalty as unfounded, emphasizing that it was concocted by individuals determined to undermine him. “Anybody can sit down and concoct anything. But that I am disloyal or fail to give respect is not in my dictionary,” he added.
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No Bitterness Toward Governor Makinde
Despite the events leading to his removal, Olaniyan maintained that he holds no grudge against Governor Makinde. He said he had never spoken ill of the governor since leaving office and continued to address him with respect whenever they meet.
“I have no regrets about the way I left office. Since I left, I have never shown any animosity against Seyi Makinde. Anywhere I meet him, I call him with respect, and we normally greet each other,” Olaniyan affirmed.
Reflections on Impeachment
Olaniyan admitted that he and Governor Makinde had “irreconcilable differences,” but he believes the situation could have been managed differently. He also reflected on the broader challenges of navigating government politics and relationships.
“The people around him were the ones who created the divide. If you are so powerful that people cannot talk about you in your presence, you can’t stop them from talking about you in your absence,” he said.
While he acknowledged the challenges of his impeachment, Olaniyan emphasized that he harbored no resentment and has moved on with dignity.