A political storm is brewing in the Ondo State House of Assembly as twelve lawmakers have formally passed a Vote of No Confidence on the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, accusing him of gross misconduct and financial impropriety.

The lawmakers, in a resolution issued on Thursday, invoked Section 92(4)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the legislature to remove a Speaker for acts deemed to undermine public trust or violate official responsibilities.

According to the signatories, the Speaker allegedly committed two major financial infractions:

Diversion of ₦50 million allocated for a public hearing; and

Misappropriation of the Assembly’s monthly operational grants.

They stated that the alleged actions violate several provisions of Nigerian law, including Paragraph 9, Part I, Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, which bars public officers from abusing their office; the Oath of Office in the Seventh Schedule; Section 19 of the ICPC Act (2000); and Section 390 of the Criminal Code relating to stealing by a public officer.

The lawmakers insisted that the allegations amount to gross misconduct as defined by Section 188(11) of the Constitution, noting that the integrity and lawful operation of the House have been “gravely impaired.”

Resolutions Passed
The twelve lawmakers resolved to:

Pass a Vote of No Confidence on Speaker Olamide Oladiji; and

Invite the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and, if necessary, prosecute the Speaker while facilitating the recovery of any funds allegedly misappropriated.

Lawmakers Behind the Move
The resolution was signed by the following members:

Hon. Jide Oguntodu (Akure South 1)

Hon. Temitope Akomolafe (Ifedore)

Hon. Fatai Atere (Akoko North West 1)

Hon. Toyin Japhet (Akoko North East)

Hon. Raymond Daodu (Akoko South West 1)

Hon. Samuel Ifabiyi (Odigbo 1)

Hon. Babatunde Fasonu (Odigbo 2)

Hon. (Princess) Oluwatosin Ogunlowo (Idanre)

Hon. Afe Felix (Akoko North West 2)

Hon. Nelson Akinsuroju (Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo)

Rt. Hon. (Prince) Akinruntan Abayomi (Ilaje 1)

Hon. Stephen Abitogun (Akure South 2)

The development marks a major escalation in the political tension within the Assembly. As of the time of filing this report, the Speaker and the House leadership had yet to issue a public response.”

Newstrack