Legislative activities at the Ondo State House of Assembly have been halted as lawmakers insist they will not resume plenary until Speaker Olamide Oladiji steps down over allegations linked to the handling of ₦44 million released by the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
The crisis escalated on Monday after 21 of the 26 lawmakers reportedly backed a move seeking the Speaker’s removal over claims of financial mismanagement involving the funds.
Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Assembly spokesperson Olatunji Ifabiyi said members had resolved not to reconvene until a new Speaker emerges.
“We have resolved not to hold a plenary until there is a change of Speaker”, Ifabiyi said.
He added that the lawmakers would begin impeachment proceedings if Oladiji refused to resign.
“For now, there is no development except that Mr Speaker should just give way and allow another person to preside over the Ondo State House of Assembly”, he stated.
The dispute reportedly began after allegations that the Speaker failed to consult other lawmakers over the disbursement of the ₦44 million released by OSOPADEC for the reordering of its 2026 budget.
While a principal officer of the Assembly claimed a peace meeting was held between the lawmakers and state officials on Sunday, Ifabiyi said he was unaware of such a meeting and maintained that the lawmakers’ position remained unchanged. He also confirmed that allegations of an assassination attempt on one of the lawmakers had been reported to security agencies for investigation.
The standoff has now paralysed legislative activities in the Assembly, adding to recent concerns over leadership disputes in state legislatures. The development comes days after the Ogun State House of Assembly cleared former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo of allegations of embezzlement that led to his removal nearly three years ago.
Ogun lawmakers said investigations found no evidence to support the claims, although they maintained that the leadership change remained constitutionally valid.
