Ondo Assembly Halts Plenary as Lawmakers Demand Speaker’s Exit

The leadership crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly deepened on Monday after lawmakers suspended plenary sessions until Speaker Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji steps down from office.

The announcement was made by the Assembly’s spokesperson, Hon. Olatunji Fabiyi, who said the majority of lawmakers had lost confidence in the Speaker and were determined to see a change in leadership.

The dispute stems from allegations that Oladiji unilaterally altered the proposed ₦9.2 billion 2025 budget of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) without the approval of the House.

According to Fabiyi, 21 of the Assembly’s 26 lawmakers have already endorsed a move to remove the Speaker if he refuses to resign voluntarily.

He noted that plenary sessions would remain suspended until the leadership issue is resolved, although he did not indicate when lawmakers would reconvene.

Fabiyi also said he was unaware of any ongoing discussions between members of the Assembly and the state executive aimed at resolving the political standoff.

Addressing concerns over security, he confirmed that allegations of an assassination plot involving one of the lawmakers had been reported to the relevant security agencies for investigation.

Reaffirming the Assembly’s position, Fabiyi stated that lawmakers were united in their demand for the Speaker’s resignation.

He warned that if Oladiji fails to vacate the office voluntarily, the House will proceed with impeachment proceedings in line with its constitutional powers.

The unfolding crisis has raised fresh concerns about legislative stability in Ondo State, with the Assembly’s activities remaining on hold until the leadership dispute is settled.