The Ondo State House of Assembly is embroiled in a leadership crisis, with Speaker Olamide Oladiji facing an impeachment attempt by a group of lawmakers. According to Oladiji, the move is motivated by grievances against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa rather than his own performance as Speaker. The impeachment plot has been described as a misplaced priority, with Oladiji emphasizing the need for the Assembly to focus on amending and passing the 2025 Appropriation Act.
The crisis began when 12 of the 26 lawmakers passed a vote of no confidence in Oladiji, accusing him of gross misconduct and misappropriation of Assembly funds. However, 14 lawmakers have since expressed their support for the Speaker, passing a vote of confidence in his leadership. The divisions within the Assembly stem from a dispute over Governor Aiyedatiwa’s N531 billion supplementary budget, which some lawmakers argue is being rushed through despite the poor performance of the 2025 budget and the limited time remaining in the fiscal year.
Oladiji has defended his actions, stating that the Assembly must prioritize its constitutional duties and avoid being distracted by politicking ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that the Assembly will continue to operate in accordance with its rules and standing orders, and that failing to attend to the amendment of the budget would cripple the state government. The Speaker also noted that legislative assignments, such as the consideration of supplementary budgets, should not be tied to demands from the executive.
The leadership crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly has significant implications for the state’s governance and budgetary processes. As the Assembly navigates this challenging period, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and what impact it will have on the state’s development. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the Assembly’s ability to function effectively and make key decisions will be closely watched by stakeholders and citizens alike.