Ondo speaker denies impeachment notice, rejects corruption, assassination plot claims

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, has denied reports that 21 lawmakers signed an impeachment notice against him, saying he is unaware of any such move.

Oladiji also dismissed allegations of financial misconduct and an alleged assassination plot, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.

His reaction followed reports that 21 lawmakers had endorsed an impeachment notice against him and Deputy Speaker Ololade Gbegudu, with claims that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s intervention had prevented the move from succeeding.

Speaking in a telephone interview, the speaker said security agencies should investigate the assassination allegation, insisting he had no involvement in such acts and had served the assembly for about three years without similar accusations.

He challenged those behind the allegation to provide evidence, maintaining that he believes in peaceful politics and had no reason to target anyone.

On the reported impeachment plot, Oladiji simply said, “I’m not aware of that.”

In a statement issued by his office, the speaker dismissed reports of an impending resignation and the alleged leadership tussle over a purported ₦44 million OSOPADEC fund, describing them as fabricated and the handiwork of political opponents.

The statement added that lawmakers independently manage their welfare and resource allocations, insisting the speaker only receives funds legally allocated to his office, while urging the public to disregard what it called false reports.