The leadership crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly has escalated, with a majority of lawmakers issuing an ultimatum to Speaker Olamide Oladiji to resign or face impeachment.
Twenty-one of the 26 members of the Assembly have reportedly signed an impeachment notice against the Speaker, accusing him of financial misconduct.
The lawmakers alleged that Oladiji diverted N44 million from funds earmarked for the reordering of the budget of the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
Speaking on Wednesday, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Olatunji Fabiyi, said the Assembly had given the Speaker until Sunday to step down voluntarily, warning that impeachment proceedings would commence at the next plenary if he failed to do so.
Fabiyi explained that while the lawmakers had already resolved to remove the Speaker, they decided to brief Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa before taking further legislative action.
“We have resolved that Mr Speaker should go. But in the wisdom of the leadership of the House, we felt we should meet with Mr Governor,” Fabiyi said.
He added that the lawmakers presented their resolution to the governor to demonstrate that their actions were based on the collective decision of the House and not the influence of external interests.
According to Fabiyi, Governor Aiyedatiwa has intervened in the matter but has allowed the lawmakers to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference.
