𝗢𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼 𝗕𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱, 𝗔𝘀 21 𝗟𝗮𝘄𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

A major political crisis has engulfed the Ondo State House of Assembly as 21 of the 26 lawmakers have reportedly signed an impeachment notice against the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, over allegations of financial misconduct.

The lawmakers are accusing the Speaker and his deputy of diverting ₦44 million allegedly meant for the reordering of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) budget. They also alleged that the Speaker carried out the budget reordering without the approval or involvement of the majority of members.

A lawmaker, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that efforts had initially been made to persuade the Speaker to resign voluntarily, but the impeachment process would proceed if he refused.

According to the lawmaker, discussions over the Speaker's removal began about three weeks ago but were delayed following intervention by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. He claimed the governor later advised the Speaker to step down.

However, Speaker Oladiji has dismissed the allegations, insisting there is no leadership crisis in the Assembly and denying knowledge of any impeachment notice.

In a statement issued by his office, the Speaker described reports of his planned removal as false, malicious and politically motivated. He maintained that all financial matters relating to members' welfare and allocations were handled transparently and collectively, adding that he only received funds constitutionally due to his office.

He also denied allegations that he sidelined lawmakers in the handling of the alleged ₦44 million OSOPADEC funds, describing the claims as fabricated attempts to destabilise the legislature.

Meanwhile, the crisis took a dramatic turn after Hon. Dr. Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, who represents Ilaje Constituency II, alleged that her life was under threat over her support for the Speaker's removal.

In a statement shared on her Facebook page, the lawmaker claimed she had received several threatening calls and narrowly escaped what she described as an attempt on her life. She accused the Speaker of being behind the threats because of her role in the impeachment move.

Fayemi-Obayelu vowed not to back down, insisting that no form of intimidation would stop her from exposing what she described as corruption, bribery and abuse of power within the Assembly.

Reacting to the allegations, Speaker Oladiji denied any involvement, saying security agencies should investigate the claims independently.

He challenged the lawmaker to provide evidence linking him to any alleged assassination plot, describing himself as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen.

The unfolding crisis has heightened political tension in Ondo State, with attention now focused on whether the impeachment process will proceed on the floor of the House or if fresh political interventions will resolve the standoff.