Ogun Speaker Oluomo, ex-deputy trade words over money laundering case

A former deputy speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Dare Kadiri, has engaged the Speaker Olakunle Oluomo in a war of words after the latter accused him of being responsible for his travails.

Oluomo was recently arraigned by the EFCC. The anti-graft agency filed 11 charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery and stealing against him.

Kadiri, who was reacting to a statement by the Speaker on Friday, said in his own statement on Saturday that Oluomo needed to bury his face in shame rather than pointing fingers at others.

He said, “There is no gainsaying that I played active role in his emergence as Speaker, believing he would provide effective leadership. But, unfortunately, he derailed.

“When I realised his direction, I did my best to caution him. Rather than heed my several genuine warnings, he desperately orchestrated my removal without recourse to due process. However, the rest, as they say, is history.

“Now, on the matter before the court, I believe the court will do the needful. I equally hope the case is given a speedy hearing and timely disposed off as Nigerians are eagerly waiting for its outcome.

“Owing to the sensitivity of this case, I would have expected Mr Speaker to keep a low profile after being granted bail.

“Instead, he made needless imputation about me and started hypocritical advocacy about rule of law as if he indeed believes in its sanctity.

“Those who sincerely believe in the rule of law will simply honour invitations by law enforcement agencies and will never decline such under any guise.

“At this point, I advise Mr Speaker to seek forgiveness from God and be honest with himself. Pretensions can no longer help.”

The Assembly impeached Kadiri in March 2021 for alleged public disturbance.