By Sunday Ameh
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, is facing an impeachment threat over allegations of mismanaging ₦44 million reportedly released by the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
Reports indicate that 21 of the 26 lawmakers in the Assembly have signed an impeachment notice against the Speaker over claims bordering on financial mismanagement linked to funds allegedly released for the reordering of the OSOPADEC 2026 budget.
Sources within the Assembly alleged that the controversy has sparked tension among lawmakers, with some accusing the Speaker of failing to carry members along in the handling and disbursement of the funds. The crisis is also said to have put the positions of the Deputy Speaker, Ololade Gbegudu, and the Assembly Clerk, Benjamin Jaiyeola, under scrutiny.
One source claimed Oladiji considered resigning ahead of Tuesday’s plenary but was persuaded to remain in office following political intervention.
However, the Speaker has strongly denied the allegations, describing reports of a leadership crisis and the alleged mismanagement of OSOPADEC funds as false, malicious, and politically motivated.
In a statement, Oladiji insisted he never contemplated resigning and maintained that there was no crisis within the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly. He also dismissed claims that lawmakers were sidelined in the handling of the funds, describing the allegations as fabricated.
Speaking with journalists, the Speaker said he was unaware of any move by 21 lawmakers to demand his resignation, adding that those making the allegations should provide credible evidence.
Meanwhile, a lawmaker representing Ilaje Constituency II, Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, alleged that she narrowly escaped death after receiving threats over what she described as her investigation into alleged bribery, forgery, and corruption involving the Speaker and OSOPADEC.
In a Facebook post, Fayemi-Obayelu claimed she had received several threats aimed at stopping her investigation and urged the Speaker to resign or face the consequences of his actions. She also alleged that funds meant for her constituency were being diverted and vowed not to be intimidated.
The allegations have heightened political tension within the Ondo State House of Assembly, while the Speaker continues to deny any wrongdoing.
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