A growing internal conflict within the Ondo State House of Assembly has intensified as 21 out of 26 members claim that Speaker Olamide Oladiji presided over a mere four plenary sessions throughout the last seven months. The disgruntled legislators have halted all assembly proceedings and are demanding the Speaker’s resignation, specifically citing concerns over 44 million Naira connected to the budget reordering of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission.
The House spokesperson, Olatunji Fabiyi, verified that session frequency has been critically low, which he noted has negatively impacted legislative progress and fueled member resentment. In response to the crisis, 21 lawmakers signed an impeachment notice and declared an indefinite suspension of plenary sessions, stating that operations will remain stalled until the Speaker steps down. One lawmaker explained that the House has been unable to fulfill its constitutional duties, alleging that Oladiji deliberately avoids convening meetings whenever internal disagreements arise.
Addressing the allegations, Speaker Oladiji dismissed the claims as unfounded. He argued that parliamentary meetings are just as valid as plenary sessions and asserted that the lack of formal plenary does not signify a total lack of legislative work. He further contended that the Assembly often relies on bills sponsored by the executive branch, suggesting that his leadership has continued to facilitate essential government functions despite the accusations.
