A group of 21 legislators in the Ondo State House of Assembly claims Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is actively obstructing their efforts to remove Speaker Olamide Oladiji. The Speaker faces accusations of financial impropriety regarding the reallocation of 44 million Naira within the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) budget. The lawmakers have challenged the governor to justify his intervention, warning that he must remain neutral if he wishes to maintain stability within the legislative body.
Although Governor Aiyedatiwa and state All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders are attempting to resolve the tensions, the legislators remain firm in their demand for the Speaker’s resignation or impeachment. Olatunji Fabiyi, the Assembly’s spokesperson, asserted that the governor is attempting to manipulate individual members into abandoning the impeachment bid. Following a recent meeting, Fabiyi noted that the governor requested a 14-day window for the Speaker to step down, with seven days currently remaining.
Fabiyi questioned the governor’s interest in the matter, emphasizing that the internal proceedings of the House fall outside the scope of executive authority. The lawmakers have collectively decided to suspend all plenary sessions until a new Speaker is appointed. APC State Chairman Babatunde Kolawole stated that the party views the conflict as an internal legislative matter that the House members should address independently.
