21 Ondo lawmakers move to oust speaker over ₦44m fund

A political crisis has engulfed the Ondo State House of Assembly, with a majority of lawmakers moving to remove Speaker Olamide Oladiji over allegations of financial mismanagement involving 44 million naira. The controversy centers on funds reportedly released by the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) for the legislature's use, with accusers claiming the speaker failed to distribute the money equitably or consult with members.

According to the assembly's spokesperson, Olatunji Fabiyi, 21 of the 26 members have signed in support of the speaker's removal. Fabiyi stated the decision was an internal matter, unrelated to the state's executive branch, and followed allegations that a resolution concerning the OSOPADEC budget was prepared and presented as the House's decision without lawmakers' knowledge or approval. He said the group had resolved that the speaker should vacate his office but chose to brief Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa first to dispel any insinuation that the executive was orchestrating the move. The governor reportedly appealed for more time before any further action is taken.

The allegations were publicly amplified by lawmaker Olawumi...