The Ondo State House of Assembly is currently engulfed in a significant crisis as impeachment proceedings against the Speaker, Hon. Olamide Oladiji, gain momentum. This turmoil is ignited by allegations of gross misconduct, including the diversion of a substantial sum of ₦50 million earmarked for a public hearing and the misappropriation of operational grants.
Starnews NG reports that a notice of impeachment, endorsed by 12 lawmakers, cites these infractions as violations of multiple legal provisions, including the 1999 Constitution and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
The crisis has its roots in increasing tensions between the legislative and executive branches of the Ondo State government, particularly surrounding the recent submission of a ₦531 billion supplementary budget by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Some Lawmakers have expressed grave concerns regarding the rationale behind this substantial request, especially given the current fiscal year’s poor budget performance, with some projects achieving less than 35 per cent completion. The contentious budget proposal has led to accusations of fiscal indiscipline directed at the executive, further exacerbating friction within the Assembly.
The dissent within the House came to a head during a parliamentary session on November 4, 2025, when lawmakers walked out in protest against the proposed supplementary budget, questioning the executive’s motives and financial management. This walkout signifies a deepening rift, with factions emerging among the lawmakers, as highlighted by the contrasting votes of confidence and no confidence regarding Speaker Oladiji’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Speaker Oladiji has dismissed the impeachment notice as a “misplaced priority,” asserting that the purportedly anti-Aiyedatiwa lawmakers are attempting to undermine the government’s stability. He maintains that the majority of the Assembly supports the governor’s administration and that his actions are in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the House, arguing that the impeachment threat arises from personal grievances rather than legitimate concerns about governance.
The situation is further complicated by the Speaker’s assertion that the aggrieved lawmakers are largely absent from legislative duties, with many reportedly residing abroad.
This raises questions about their commitment to the Assembly’s operations and their motives in pursuing impeachment. Oladiji’s statements reflect a broader concern regarding political loyalty and the implications of internal dissent on the effectiveness of governance in Ondo State.
Starnews NG can report that public sentiment regarding the proposed supplementary budget has been overwhelmingly negative, with residents of Ondo State expressing outrage and disbelief at the scale of the request. Many citizens have voiced their concerns, labelling the ₦531 billion supplementary budget as unjustified, particularly given the dismal performance of the current budget.
With many projects from the original 2025 Appropriation Law showing less than 35 per cent completion, the public is questioning the rationale behind seeking bogus additional funds when previous allocations have not been effectively utilised. This discontent reflects a broader frustration with perceived fiscal irresponsibility and a lack of accountability in government spending.
Citizens are increasingly calling for greater transparency in the handling of public finances, advocating for a return to more open governance practices. In previous administrations, there was a stronger emphasis on providing regular financial statements detailing income and expenditure, as well as comprehensive disclosures regarding project costs. This level of accountability fostered trust between the government and its constituents.
In contrast, the current government’s approach, characterised by secrecy surrounding financial operations, has left many citizens feeling disillusioned and sceptical about the intentions behind budget proposals. As the crisis within the House of Assembly unfolds, the demand for transparency and responsible governance remains at the forefront of public discourse, with many citizens urging their representatives to prioritise the interests of the people over partisan politics.
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