The leadership crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly has intensified, with lawmakers refusing to resume plenary until Speaker Olamide Oladiji vacates office over allegations surrounding the handling of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) 2025 budget.
Speaking in Akure on Monday, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Olatunji Ifabiyi, said the majority of lawmakers remained united in their demand for the speaker’s resignation, stressing that legislative activities would remain suspended until new leadership emerged.
The dispute stems from accusations that Mr Oladiji unilaterally altered the proposed N9.2 billion OSOPADEC budget without the approval of the House.
According to Mr Ifabiyi, 21 of the Assembly’s 26 lawmakers have already endorsed a resolution to remove the speaker should he refuse to resign voluntarily.
He maintained that the lawmakers had resolved not to hold plenary sessions until the issue was settled, warning that impeachment proceedings would commence if the speaker declined to step aside.
”If he refuses to resign, we will proceed with impeachment. If he fails to do what is expected, we will take the necessary action,” he said.
Meanwhile, a principal officer of the Assembly, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the Ondo State executive had stepped into the crisis in a bid to restore peace.
The official said discussions were held on Sunday but declined to reveal the outcome, citing an agreement among participants not to disclose details. He, however, expressed confidence that the dispute had been resolved and indicated that plenary would reconvene soon.
In contrast, Mr Ifabiyi said he was unaware of any such meeting involving the state executive and could not confirm whether an agreement had been reached or when lawmakers would return to the chamber.
He also disclosed that allegations of an assassination plot against one of the legislators had been reported to the relevant security authorities for investigation.
The crisis has continued to disrupt legislative activities in the state as efforts to resolve the leadership tussle remain ongoing.
(NAN)