The Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji, revealed that the deputy governor had failed to respond to the Notice served on him since September 25.
In accordance with Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, the House had resolved that the deputy governor be served a Notice of the allegations.
The Speaker explained, "Concerted efforts were made to serve the Notice on the deputy governor, who for some time was not available for the service, prompting the House to approach the court for a substituted service on the deputy governor."
A substituted service of the Notice of Allegations was carried out on September 25, duly signed by more than one-third of the House members as required by the Constitution.
The Constitution allows the deputy governor seven days to respond to the allegations. Since this period has lapsed, the House has directed the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations against the deputy governor.
The Majority Leader, Mr. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, moved the motion for the constitution of the impeachment panel, which was seconded by Mr. Felix Afe.
With 23 out of 26 members present at the plenary session, the motion passed through a voice vote, giving the green light for the chief judge to establish the panel. The impeachment process will proceed as the investigation begins.