From Bola Ogunlayi, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dissolved the board of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commissioner (OYSIEC) with immediate effect.
The dissolution letter dated July 1, 2019 addressed to the Chairman of the Board stated that the governor is aware that the tenure of the members have not expired but the government is ready to offset all the salaries and entitlements of the members for the remaining period of the tenure.
The letter signed by the state Head of Service, Mrs Amidat Agboola however directed that all the property of the Commission in the custody of the members be handed over to the most senior director in the commission.
Time Nigeria Magazine recalls that the governor, during a media chat last weekend to mark his first 30 days in office, promised to reconstitute the electoral body and populate it with persons of “integrity and impeccable character”.
He had also promised to conduct local government elections latest by the first quarter of next year.
The letter entitled “Dissolution of Board of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission” reads in part:
”I wish to refer to the above subject matter and inform you that His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the dissolution of the Board of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission with effect from 1st July, 2019.
“While noting the fact that your tenure has not expired, the state government is prepared to offset the salaries and allowances payable to you till the expiration of your tenure.
“His Excellency wishes you the best in your future endeavours.
“Kindly hand over all property of the state government in your care to the most senior director in your commission.”
The eight-member board, chaired by Mr. John Ajeigbe, was constituted by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Friday, June 17, 2016.
The board then conducted elections into the 33 Local Government Areas (LGA) and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) on May 12, 2018.
The local councils elected in those elections were however sacked by an executive order by Makinde on May 29, 2019.
There are accusations and counter accusations on the propriety and otherwise of the dissolution by the Council of the dissolved Council Chairmen through Press Conferences.
The case is currently in court.
