9 REINSTATED OYO LAWMAKERS ALLEGE THREAT TO LIVES

The nine members of Oyo State House of Assembly who were to resume sitting today after the June 8, bloody clash on the floor of the House, yesterday raised an alarm on alleged threat to their lives . The lawmakers said they planned to resume sitting on the order of an Ibadan High Court judge, Justice Morufu Adegbola but due to the threat they had reconsidered their stands.

Justice Moruf Adegbola had ruled in favour of the legislators few days ago, by nullifying the decision to suspend the lawmakers.

The lawmakers while speaking with journalists yesterday alleged that the Speaker, Moroof Atilola said; 'the safety of your lives was not guaranteed if you dare venture to step your foot on the floor of the House today.'

To buttress their allegation, phone calls between the Speaker and some of the lawmakers on recorded were shown to journalists.

They said that the matter had since been reported to the State Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Security Service (SSS).

While speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Majority Leader, Samuel Ademola Adejumobi told newsmen that the Speaker, Morufu Atilola called him on phone at 10.58am on Wednesday and told him that their security could not be guaranteed for having the effrontery to file a fresh application before the court after they had been reinstated last week by the same State High Court.

His position was immediately corroborated by another reinstated lawmaker, Kayode Animashaun (Ona-Ara State Constituency) who added that the speaker was furious over Monday's fresh court suit in which they prayed the court to restrain the Speaker and his group to respect the judgment of Justice Morufu Adegbola and not do anything that may be injurious to their rights as principal officers and house members respectively.

Animasahun also quoted the speaker as having said, 'if you like bring all the people of the entire state to the house tomorrow (today) but I must tell you that I cannot guarantee your safety.'' But the Speaker, in his reaction described the allegation as unfounded and one intended to put him in the bad book of the people of the state. He also described the Majority-Leader who alleged he was planning to attack him and other members of his group with hoodlums as a rabble rouser who should not be taken serious.

His words ' Is any body chasing them away from the House? Let them come and continue their duties. They are elected representatives of their people, so why would I send hoodlums after them?