Ondo State Lawmakers Seek Impeachment of Speaker Olamide Oladiji

A leadership crisis has paralyzed the Ondo State House of Assembly after 21 of its 26 members signed an impeachment notice against Olamide Oladiji. The lawmakers allege that the Speaker engaged in financial misconduct, specifically the diversion of 44 million naira and the unilateral reordering of the 9.2 billion naira 2025 budget for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC). Lawmaker Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu further claimed that a House resolution used to approve budget adjustments was forged.

In response, the assembly has suspended all plenary sessions indefinitely, with spokespeople stating that the house will not reconvene until a new speaker is elected. While some reports suggested a resolution was reached during a Sunday meeting involving Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, assembly representatives denied these claims, insisting on Oladiji's resignation or removal. Some lawmakers further accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of interfering in the legislative process by requesting a 14-day negotiation window to protect the Speaker.

Oladiji has denied all allegations, describing them as a fabricated attempt by detractors to destabilize the legislature. Governor Aiyedatiwa's office also denied any executive interference, asserting the governor's only goal is to maintain peace. Amidst the political standoff, the assembly reported an alleged assassination attempt on a member to security agencies for investigation.