Ondo lawmakers pass vote of no confidence, move to sack Speaker

By Boye Oyeyemi

Crisis hits the Ondo State House of Assembly as twelve members have passed a vote of no confidence in the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, over allegations of gross misconduct and violation of constitutional provisions.

In a resolution issued on November 13, the lawmakers accused Oladiji of allegedly diverting N50 million appropriated for a public hearing and mismanaging the House’s monthly operational grants.

They said the alleged actions breached the Fifth and Seventh Schedules of the Constitution, which prohibit abuse of office and require adherence to the Oath of Office.

The legislators also cited Section 19 of the ICPC Act and Section 390 of the Criminal Code, noting that the alleged offences amount to stealing and abuse of office.

They insisted that the infractions qualify as gross misconduct under Section 188(11) of the Constitution.

According to the signatories, the Speaker’s conduct has undermined the integrity and proper functioning of the Assembly, making his continued leadership untenable.

Acting under Section 92(4)(c) of the Constitution, the lawmakers resolved to withdraw their confidence in Oladiji and urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to invite him for investigation and possible prosecution.

Those who signed the resolution include Hon. Jide Oguntodu, Hon. Temitope Akomolafe, Hon. Fatai Atere, Hon. Toyin Japhet, Hon. Raymond Daodu, Hon. Samuel Ifabiyi, and six others across the state’s constituencies.