Ondo Speaker Faces Impeachment Threat Over Alleged ₦50M Diversion, Claims Rival Lawmakers Are Trying to Sabotage Governor Aiyedatiwa

A deep-seated political crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly escalated today, Saturday, November 15, 2025, with Speaker Olamide Oladiji accusing a faction of lawmakers of attempting to destabilize the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This accusation comes immediately after the dissenting lawmakers moved to impeach the Speaker over allegations of financial impropriety.

Speaking to journalists in Akure, Speaker Oladiji asserted that the primary objective of the 12 aggrieved members, who have boycotted legislative sittings, is to frustrate the smooth running of the state government. He pointed specifically to the lawmakers’ refusal to cooperate with the passage of the re-ordered 2025 Appropriation Bill, which he described as essential for the government to execute its plans.

“They insisted that they wanted to use the passage of the re-ordered budget to drive home their demands [from the Governor]. But the 14 of us told them that we are part of this government, and we should not tie our legislative assignments to personal requests,” Oladiji stated.

₦50 Million Scandal and Impeachment Move

However, the 12 dissenting lawmakers dismissed the Speaker’s claim as “false and politically motivated.” Earlier this week, they passed a vote of no confidence in the Speaker and commenced impeachment proceedings, alleging gross misconduct and the diversion of ₦50 million earmarked for a public hearing. The lawmakers demanded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigate Oladiji over the alleged financial recklessness.

Hon. Temitope Komolafe, speaking for the aggrieved group, insisted that their action is solely directed at the Speaker’s alleged misconduct and not against Governor Aiyedatiwa, whom he praised for restoring transparency to the state. The group further accused Oladiji of manipulative leadership and of attempting to pitch the House against the Governor for his own political survival.

With 14 lawmakers passing a vote of confidence in the Speaker and 12 lawmakers demanding his removal, the political future of the Ondo State legislature remains precariously balanced, threatening to undermine the state’s capacity to approve crucial financial legislation needed before the end of the fiscal year.