24 Ondo lawmakers reject bid to retain speaker, demand resignation or impeachment

By Boye Oyeyemi

The leadership crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly deepened on Wednesday as 24 lawmakers declared that they would not accept any move by the All Progressives Congress to retain the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, insisting that he must either resign or face impeachment over allegations of financial misconduct.

The lawmakers, who met in Akure, also inaugurated a four-member panel to audit the finances of the assembly, following allegations surrounding about ₦44 million reportedly linked to the reordering of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission budget.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Olatunji Fabiyi, dismissed reports that the lawmakers had abandoned the impeachment process following the intervention of the APC leadership.

He explained that the impeachment move remained on course but had been temporarily put on hold pending the outcome of consultations by the party leadership, stressing that the lawmakers would act once directed by the party.

“We are still waiting for the leadership of the party. We cannot proceed further until the party gives us direction. The matter is pending, but we remain on course,” Fabiyi said.

He, however, maintained that the lawmakers would resist any attempt to impose the speaker on the assembly, noting that the majority had already lost confidence in his leadership.

“Our father will not sacrifice the interest of 24 members for one individual. We will not accept any attempt to impose the speaker on us,” he stated. Fabiyi also denied allegations that lawmakers received inducements to abandon the impeachment plot.

The lawmakers further resolved to resume legislative duties, directing all standing committees to recommence oversight functions. They also deliberated on constituency projects, flooding in riverine communities and other developmental issues across the state, before adjourning plenary for about two weeks pending further consultations.