Ondo Speaker Oladiji Says Removal Bid Is Political, Claims Lawmakers Want Him Out Before 2027

Ondo Speaker Oladiji Says Removal Bid Is Political, Claims Lawmakers Want Him Out Before 2027 The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, has alleged that the ongoing move by some lawmakers to remove him from office is politically motivated, claiming the objective is to prevent him from returning as Speaker after the 2027 elections. Oladiji said the allegations of financial misconduct levelled against him were only a cover for a political agenda, adding that some members of the Assembly had been raising similar complaints against him for the past three years. The Speaker’s comments came amid a deepening crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly, where a majority of lawmakers have called for his resignation or threatened impeachment over alleged financial issues. The lawmakers accused Oladiji of financial misconduct involving about ₦44 million linked to the reordering of the budget of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC). The Speaker has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the allegations were politically driven. Reports indicate that 21 out of the 26 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly signed an impeachment notice against the Speaker, intensifying the leadership crisis within the legislature. Oladiji maintained that the push for his removal was connected to future political calculations, particularly ahead of the 2027 political cycle, rather than concerns over accountability. The dispute has disrupted legislative activities, with lawmakers insisting that plenary sessions would not continue until their demands are addressed. The Speaker’s supporters, however, have argued that his removal should follow due process and not be driven by political disagreements. The Ondo Assembly crisis remains unresolved as both sides continue to trade accusations, with the possibility of impeachment proceedings hanging over Oladiji’s leadership.