Crisis in Ondo Assembly: Lawmakers Begin Impeachment Push Against Speaker Oladiji

A fresh crisis has engulfed the Ondo State House of Assembly as twelve lawmakers have initiated a vote of no confidence in the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, accusing him of financial impropriety and violations of constitutional provisions.

In a resolution released on November 13, the lawmakers claimed the Speaker diverted ₦50 million allocated for a public hearing and mismanaged the Assembly’s operational funds. They argued that these alleged actions contravene the Fifth and Seventh Schedules of the Constitution, which forbid abuse of office while binding officeholders to their Oath of Office.

The group referenced Section 19 of the ICPC Act and Section 390 of the Criminal Code, insisting that the allegations amount to stealing and abuse of office—both criminal offences under Nigerian law.

They stressed that the allegations qualify as gross misconduct as defined in Section 188(11) of the Constitution, adding that the Speaker’s continued stay in office threatens the integrity and effectiveness of the House.

Acting under Section 92(4)(c), the lawmakers announced the withdrawal of their confidence in Oladiji and urged the EFCC to launch an investigation that may result in charges.

The resolution bears the signatures of Hon. Jide Oguntodu, Hon. Temitope Akomolafe, Hon. Fatai Atere, Hon. Toyin Japhet, Hon. Raymond Daodu, Hon. Samuel Ifabiyi, and six other legislators from different constituencies.