Tensions have escalated in the Ondo State House of Assembly as 12 of its 26 lawmakers commenced impeachment proceedings against Speaker Olamide Oladiji, citing alleged gross misconduct.

The lawmakers, who passed a vote of no confidence on the Speaker, also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate, prosecute, and recover any public funds allegedly misappropriated under Oladiji’s watch.

The crisis reportedly began when Assembly members staged a walkout in protest over Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s N531 billion supplementary budget, accusing Oladiji of attempting to fast-track the bill despite perceived poor performance of the 2025 budget.

Lawmakers signing the impeachment notice include Jide Oguntodu (Akure South 1), Temitope Akomolafe (Ifedore), Fatai Atere (Akoko North/West 1), Toyin Japhet (Akoko North East), Raymond Daodu (Akoko South West 1), Samuel Ifabiyi (Odigbo 1), Babatunde Fasonu (Odigbo 2), Oluwatosin Ogunlowo (Idanre), Afe Felix (Akoko North/West 2), Nelson Akinsuroju (Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo), Akinruntan Abayomi (Ilaje 1), and Stephen Abitogun (Akure South 2).

The lawmakers allege that the Speaker diverted N50 million appropriated for a public hearing and misappropriated the monthly operational grants of the House. They argue that these acts contravene the Constitution, the Independent Corrupt Practices Act, and other laws governing public office, amounting to gross misconduct and impairing the Assembly’s integrity.

Reacting to the impeachment move, an aide to Oladiji dismissed it as “a political storm in a teacup,” describing the threat as “dead on arrival.”

The unfolding political drama in Ondo State highlights ongoing tensions between legislative members and leadership over transparency, accountability, and governance practices.