Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly seeking the removal of Speaker Olamide Oladiji have rejected peace overtures from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, insisting on a change in legislative leadership.
The assembly’s spokesperson, Olatunji Fabiyi, told journalists on Monday that Mr Aiyedatiwa had been attempting to persuade lawmakers to withdraw their support for the impeachment process. The lawmakers argue that the matter is strictly within the constitutional purview of the legislature.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that 21 of the 26 members of the state legislature have signed an impeachment notice against Mr Oladiji, signalling his likely removal should the process proceed.
The Speaker is accused of mutilating the budget of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) for personal gain, resulting in losses of ₦44 million. He has denied the allegations, labelling them false and politically motivated. The aggrieved lawmakers have issued a resignation ultimatum, vowing to force him from office if he refuses to step down.
Although Mr Aiyedatiwa has not publicly addressed the matter, lawmakers believe his intervention is intended to stall the impeachment.
