Aribisogan, who represented Ikole Constituency I in the Assembly, made his position known in an open letter titled, “Do Not Join The Multitude To Do Evil.” He urged the leadership of the House to avoid what he described as bitterness and political hostility and instead protect the integrity of the legislature.
The lawmaker said he was compelled to write after allegedly reading a message on the Fifth Assembly’s WhatsApp platform directing members to attack Olujimi through the media.
According to Aribisogan, the development was troubling because of the type of legacy the lawmakers would leave behind at the end of their tenure.
He also criticised what he described as attempts to suspend lawmakers because of their relationship with Olujimi, alleging that the development was deepening divisions within the Assembly.
Aribisogan further accused some members of allowing Governor Ayodele Fayose’s political interests to influence the affairs of the legislature. He specifically mentioned Samuel Omotoso and other lawmakers whom he alleged were involved in efforts against Olujimi.
The lawmaker urged Speaker Oluwawole to resist pressure and ensure that the Assembly remained guided by its rules and constitutional responsibilities.
He also reminded the Speaker of what he described as Olujimi’s previous support for members of the Assembly, including financial assistance at times when lawmakers faced difficulties.
“I thought you would be honest to tell the world the role Senator Olujimi as an agent of peace and support had played in stabilising the House in the past,” Aribisogan said in the letter.
He claimed that several lawmakers had previously approached the senator for assistance and praised her contributions to the Assembly.
Aribisogan also referred to an occasion when, according to him, Olujimi assisted Speaker Oluwawole and the then Majority Leader, Hon. Akinyele, while they were stranded in Lagos.
He argued that such past assistance should not be forgotten because of the political differences that had emerged between Olujimi and Governor Fayose.
The lawmaker warned that political loyalty should not require members of the Assembly to attack or denigrate individuals.
“Loyalty is not when you join the multitude to do evil. Loyalty is not when you destroy others to satisfy a master. Loyalty is about being honest and truthful,” he stated.
Aribisogan maintained that Olujimi did not deserve what he described as the alleged campaign against her and declared that he would not participate in any effort to attack the senator for political reasons.
The controversy came amid growing political differences between Olujimi and Fayose, with the senator’s reported interest in the 2018 Ekiti governorship race becoming a major point of tension within the state’s political structure.
Reports also linked disciplinary action against some lawmakers to their alleged association with Olujimi.
Aribisogan’s letter has therefore added another dimension to the dispute, with the lawmaker calling on the Assembly leadership to protect its independence and preserve what he described as its honour and credibility.
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