Ondo Speaker Olamide Oladiji Faces Impeachment Over N44m Claim

The Ondo State House of Assembly is in crisis as 21 of its 26 members signed an impeachment notice against Speaker Olamide Oladiji, alleging he diverted roughly ₦44 million from the budget of the Ondo State Oil‑Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC). Lawmakers gave Oladiji a deadline of Sunday to resign or face impeachment on the floor of the Assembly. The Speaker has been lobbying political stakeholders and the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a bid to retain his position, while asserting that he has not resigned and remains in office.

OSOPADEC issued a statement denying any involvement in the internal dispute, emphasizing that the commission’s interactions with the Assembly are governed by constitutional and statutory procedures and that the alleged misappropriation is a matter solely for the legislature. The commission warned against the misuse of its name for political purposes and said it would consider legal action against media outlets spreading false reports. The unfolding drama centers on accusations of financial misconduct, forged budget resolutions, and the broader power struggle within the state’s legislative body.