The lawmaker representing Akure South Constituency 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olajide Oguntodu, has confirmed the ongoing impeachment move against the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Honorable Olamide Oladiji, citing alleged gross misconduct, misappropriation of funds, and other violations.
Oguntodu, who made this revelation while speaking exclusively on Crest FM’s political programme The Platform, clarified that contrary to statements made by the House Majority leader, Olatunji Oshati, about there being “calmness” within the Assembly, he and eleven other lawmakers have indeed signed an impeachment notice against the Speaker.
The confirmation follows recent reports suggesting a rift within the Assembly over Oladiji’s leadership.
The lawmaker stressed that the allegations against the Speaker are based on “financial misappropriation and recklessness,” specifically pointing to the alleged diversion of 50 million naira intended for a public hearing and the misallocation of monthly operational grants.
He emphasized that the actions of the Speaker have raised serious concerns regarding transparency and accountability within the Assembly.
In a strong rebuttal to claims made by some of Oladiji’s supporters, Oguntodu categorically denied that the lawmakers seeking the Speaker’s impeachment are being sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
He insisted that the impeachment effort is a result of legitimate concerns about the Speaker’s conduct and is not influenced by any external political figures.
“The move to impeach the Speaker is a matter of integrity and accountability, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the Governor of Ondo State or any other political figure,” Oguntodu clarified. “Those who are standing by the Speaker are the ones trying to undermine the state’s progress. They are the evil ones who do not want the best for the Governor or the people of Ondo State.”
Oguntodu reiterated that the impeachment is purely focused on the Speaker’s actions and not a politically motivated attack against the state government. He further called for an open forum where the Speaker could address the allegations against him, and for the Assembly to proceed with the necessary steps to ensure proper governance and accountability.
It would be recalled that the Ondo lawmakers have been pushing for the removal of Oladiji due to accusations of financial misconduct, particularly the alleged diversion of funds meant for public hearings and the mismanagement of operational grants. The controversy surrounding the Speaker’s actions has created a significant divide within the House, leading to growing calls for his impeachment.
The controversy surrounding the Speaker’s actions has created a significant divide within the House, leading to growing calls for his impeachment. Lawmakers in support of the move argue that such actions threaten the integrity of the Assembly and undermine public trust in government institutions. Am
