Oyo House of Assembly Closes Over Unpaid Allowances

Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have suspended all legislative duties due to non-payment of accumulated allowances owed by the state government.It is reported that the state government is yet to settle the 32 lawmakers on two months running costs, also on furniture and car allowances respectively.All legislative sittings that had been scheduled prior to the strike have been put on hold.An aggrieved lawmaker who spoke under anonymity said: “We understand that the crash in the price of crude oil has brought the economy to its knees. The consequent drop in revenue affects all the 36 states as well as the Federal Government. But in spite of this dire situation, all other governors have sorted out the allowances of their state houses of assembly. Throughout the country, only those of us who are lawmakers in Oyo State are left languishing.“During the last Assembly, in Governor Ajimobi’s first term, cars were bought for all the lawmakers. They were also paid furniture allowances. The running cost of the House was also paid regularly. These allowances are statutory.The lawmaker further stated: “Last week, we boycotted sitting to protest lack of concern for our welfare. Without the running cost, the Assembly cannot function. The running cost for the office of the governor is paid regularly. Why is the House left out?”