Assembly Crisis Worsens as 24 Lawmakers Back Speaker’s Removal

The leadership crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly has deepened after 24 of the 26 lawmakers reportedly declared support for the removal of Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office.

The lawmakers accused the Speaker of financial impropriety involving about ₦44 million allegedly linked to the reordering of the budget of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved lawmakers, Hon. Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu, who represents Ilaje Constituency II, said three more members had joined the 21 lawmakers who had earlier endorsed the impeachment move.

She said the latest development showed that the Speaker no longer enjoys the support of the majority of members of the Assembly.

According to Fayemi-Obayelu, the lawmakers deliberately avoided making public statements out of respect for the intervention of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who requested a two-week period to allow reconciliation efforts.

She noted, however, that the reconciliation period would expire on Sunday and insisted that the lawmakers remained determined to proceed with the plan to remove the Speaker.

The lawmaker also accused Oladiji of issuing a House resolution without the approval of members, describing the action as a violation of legislative procedure.

She further raised concerns over the handling of electricity meters distributed under the Ondo State Government’s O’Datiwa Meter Distribution Programme.

Fayemi-Obayelu urged the Speaker to step down voluntarily in order to protect the image of the Assembly and preserve his reputation.

Responding to the allegations, Oladiji denied any wrongdoing and described the impeachment move as being driven by political interests rather than genuine concerns over accountability.

He claimed that the plot to remove him was connected to political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the Speaker, some lawmakers became dissatisfied after they failed to secure return tickets for the next election, while others were unhappy over what they perceived as support for his continued leadership of the Assembly.

However, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Assembly spokesperson, Hon. Olatunji Fabiyi, dismissed the Speaker’s explanation.

Fabiyi insisted that the move to remove Oladiji was based solely on issues of governance, transparency and accountability.

He alleged that the Speaker handled matters relating to the OSOPADEC budget reordering without obtaining the approval of the House, describing the action as a breach of legislative processes.

Fabiyi maintained that the lawmakers had not changed their position and remained committed to pursuing the Speaker’s removal.

The crisis has continued despite efforts by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to mediate and restore peace within the Assembly.

The aggrieved lawmakers, however, insisted that they had lost confidence in the Speaker’s leadership and were determined to continue with the impeachment process.