The leadership crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly deepened on Wednesday as 21 of the 26 lawmakers issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, to resign or face impeachment.
The lawmakers are demanding Oladiji’s resignation over alleged financial misconduct regarding a ₦44 million released to the Assembly by the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
The Speaker has denied the allegation, describing it as false.
Confirming the lawmakers’ position in a telephone interview with journalists, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Olatunji Fabiyi, said that the majority of members had resolved to remove the Speaker.
Fabiyi stated that the process was delayed following the initial intervention of the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The spokesperson for Assembly explained that the controversy stemmed from the handling of the OSOPADEC budget, alleging that a resolution was prepared and presented in the names of lawmakers without their knowledge or approval.
“We have resolved that Mr Speaker should go. But in the wisdom of the leadership of the House, we felt we should meet with Mr. Governor.
“And we have taken the resolution of the members to Mr Governor. Because the one we did before, they were castigating us, saying somebody was sponsoring us.
“So, to avoid that, the leadership of the House went to Mr Governor to tell him that this is not about him. This is what Mr Speaker has done, and we don’t want him to lead us again.
“Twenty-one members have signed for the Speaker’ removal. Mr Governor requested some time.
“On this issue, we don’t have any problem with Mr Governor.
“It is about the OSOPADEC budget. A resolution was written in the name of members without our knowledge. It was stated that members had sat down and agreed to it, and that it was our resolution, which it was not.
“It is a criminal offence. You cannot shave our heads behind our backs. That is what we are fighting for.
“So, if somebody is protecting him, it means that person is aiding and abetting him.
“We are giving him till Sunday. If he fails to resign, we will remove him,” he said.
Fabiyi said the lawmakers would reconvene at the next plenary to decide the Speaker’s fate.
