A serious political crisis has erupted in the Ondo State House of Assembly as 12 lawmakers yesterday initiated impeachment proceedings against the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, over allegations of gross misconduct and financial impropriety.

The aggrieved lawmakers, who represent half of the 26-member House, passed a vote of no confidence on Oladiji and called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately investigate, prosecute, and recover public funds allegedly misappropriated during his tenure.

The dispute reportedly began following a recent walkout by members of the House in protest against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s proposed N531 billion supplementary budget. Lawmakers accused Oladiji of attempting to fast-track the bill despite perceived poor performance of the 2025 budget.

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

In their petition, the lawmakers accused the Speaker of diverting N50 million allocated for a public hearing and misappropriating monthly operational grants of the House. They argued that such acts violate the Constitution, citing Paragraph 9, Part I, Fifth Schedule – prohibiting abuse of office by a public officer – and the Seventh Schedule, relating to the violation of the Oath of Office and Allegiance.

They also referenced Section 19 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, on abuse of office, and Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act, 2004, regarding theft by a public officer, describing Oladiji’s actions as gross misconduct that has undermined the integrity and operations of the House.

Reacting to the impeachment threat, an aide to Oladiji, who spoke on condition of anonymity, dismissed the move as “a political storm in a teacup,” insisting that the attempt was “dead on arrival.”

The unfolding drama has thrown the Assembly into uncertainty, raising concerns about the future of the supplementary budget and governance in the state.