The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday rejected the apology tendered by a lawmaker representing Saki West State Constituency, Mr Ibrahim Shittu, describing it as inadequate and lacking genuine remorse.

The Assembly said the apology failed to meet the ethical standards expected of legislators.

The controversy began on January 20, when the Majority Leader, Mr Sanjo Adedoyin (Ogbomoso South), accused Shittu of making defamatory and malicious allegations against him and the leadership of the House. Adedoyin raised the issue as a matter of personal explanation during the Assembly’s first plenary sitting of 2026.

He described the allegations as a serious infringement on his legislative privileges and a direct attack on his integrity and the institution of the Oyo State House of Assembly. According to him, the claims stemmed from a speech delivered by Shittu at a public event in Saki, which later circulated widely on social media.

Although Shittu later apologised, admitting that he spoke based on inadequate information that brought disrepute to the Assembly, lawmakers faulted both the tone and substance of his apology.

Presenting the report of the Ethics and Privileges Committee, its chairman, Mr Gbenga Oyekola, said both lawmakers appeared before the committee on January 22. He explained that the committee reviewed relevant legislative instruments, oath of office documents, and the viral video, while ensuring that due process and principles of natural justice were observed.

Oyekola said Shittu’s statements were reckless, unfounded, and capable of undermining public confidence in the legislature. He added that the committee found the allegations to be without credible proof, infringing on the rights and privileges of the Majority Leader and bringing the House into disrepute.

During deliberations, some lawmakers appealed for leniency. Mr Luqman Jimoh, representing Oorelope State Constituency, apologised on behalf of his party and urged the House to temper justice with mercy. Similarly, Mr Sola Owolabi (Ibadan North-East II) called for restraint.

However, several members disagreed, insisting that Shittu’s apology was insincere and showed no genuine contrition.

In his ruling, the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, said Shittu’s meeting with the Majority Leader followed the leadership’s directive to resolve the matter internally. He noted that no additional evidence was produced during the investigation, but stressed that allegations of bribery against the Majority Leader were grave and scandalous.

Ogundoyin said such allegations required a clear, unreserved written apology rather than a verbal statement on the floor of the House. He therefore ruled that Shittu’s apology be rejected.

The House subsequently referred the matter back to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for recommendations on appropriate disciplinary action against the lawmaker.