ONDO ASSEMBLY CRISIS DEEPENS AS ALLEGED THUGS DISRUPT SPEAKER’S REMOVAL

The political crisis within the Ondo State House of Assembly has escalated after suspected thugs allegedly stormed the legislative complex to disrupt moves by lawmakers to remove the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji.

The lawmakers held a parliamentary meeting on Thursday as part of their efforts to impeach Oladiji. However, the meeting was reportedly disrupted after unidentified men allegedly arrived at the Assembly premises and attempted to prevent the legislators from proceeding with their plans.

A member of the Assembly, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the suspected thugs were sent to the complex to attack lawmakers and stop the impeachment process.

The lawmaker claimed that the legislators resisted the alleged disruption and forced the men out of the premises. However, the lawmakers did not proceed with plenary after the incident, although they maintained that their plan to remove the Speaker remained unchanged.

The latest development comes amid a prolonged leadership crisis in the 26-member Assembly. No fewer than 21 lawmakers have reportedly signed a notice seeking Oladiji’s impeachment over allegations of financial misconduct.

The Speaker has been accused of diverting ₦44m reportedly meant for the reordering of the budget of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission. The allegations have contributed to growing tensions among members of the House.

The aggrieved lawmakers had reportedly given Oladiji a deadline to resign or face impeachment on the floor of the Assembly.

However, the Speaker has rejected the allegations and previously described reports of an impending impeachment as false. He maintained that there was no leadership crisis within the Assembly.

The development also comes despite reported reconciliation efforts involving Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the lawmakers. The Assembly spokesperson, Olatunji Ifabiyi, said the impeachment process remained active despite the governor’s intervention.

Ifabiyi dismissed claims that the lawmakers had abandoned their plans, insisting that there was no going back on the process.

With tensions continuing to rise, the dispute has now moved beyond disagreements among lawmakers, with allegations of intimidation and the deployment of suspected thugs further complicating the situation.

The Assembly members are expected to reconvene as they continue their efforts to remove Oladiji, while the unfolding crisis has raised concerns about the stability of the legislative arm of the Ondo State Government.

The allegations against the Speaker remain subject to due process, and the identities and actions of the suspected thugs involved in Thursday’s disruption have yet to be officially established.