Ondo Speaker Faces Impeachment Over Misconduct Claims

Lawmakers in the Ondo State House of Assembly have begun moves to remove Speaker Olamide Oladiji, accusing him of gross misconduct.

The move is backed by 12 members who jointly signed an impeachment notice dated November 13.

The notice lists allegations including the diversion of ₦50 million meant for a public hearing and the mismanagement of the House’s monthly operational grants. The lawmakers say the alleged offences violate sections of the Constitution, the ICPC Act and the Criminal Code, amounting to misconduct under Section 188(11).

According to the lawmakers, the actions of the Speaker have damaged the integrity of the Assembly and obstructed its normal operations. They passed a vote of no confidence on Oladiji and called for an immediate probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, including possible prosecution and recovery of public funds.

The impeachment move comes amid rising tension in the Assembly over Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s request for a ₦531 billion supplementary budget. The proposal, read on November 4, has stirred complaints from lawmakers who questioned why such a large request is being made so close to the end of the financial year.

Members argue that most projects under the original 2025 budget have performed poorly, recording less than 35 percent execution. Some lawmakers walked out of the chamber during heated exchanges, accusing the executive of wasteful spending and fiscal indiscipline.

With the Assembly divided and pressure mounting, the unfolding crisis places the Speaker at the centre of a political storm that could reshape the state’s legislative leadership in the weeks ahead.