Fresh controversy has erupted in the Ondo State House of Assembly over the alleged handling of about N44 million reportedly released by the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to the legislature….
Fresh controversy has erupted in the Ondo State House of Assembly over the alleged handling of about N44 million reportedly released by the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to the legislature.
The development has intensified tension within the 26-member Assembly, coming just months after Speaker Olamide Oladiji survived an impeachment attempt by some lawmakers.
Sources within the Assembly alleged that the Speaker is facing mounting pressure over the management of the funds, which were reportedly released by OSOPADEC for the benefit of all members of the House.
According to the sources, some lawmakers accused Oladiji of failing to carry members along in the disbursement of the money, an allegation that has reportedly fueled fresh discontent within the legislature.
The sources further claimed that the unfolding crisis could have wider implications for the Assembly’s leadership, with the position of Deputy Speaker Ololade Gbegudu said to be under threat, while the Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jaiyeola, may be redeployed.
One source alleged that the Speaker considered resigning on Monday ahead of a possible discussion of the issue during Tuesday’s plenary but was persuaded to remain in office.
Another source attributed the Speaker’s decision to remain in office to the intervention of a prominent political figure in the state.
However, Mr. Oladiji rejected the allegations, describing reports of a planned resignation, leadership crisis and mismanagement of OSOPADEC funds as false, malicious and politically motivated.
In a statement, the Speaker said there was no leadership crisis in the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly and insisted he had never contemplated resigning.
“We state unequivocally, without an atom of ambiguity, that Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji never contemplated resigning, nor is there any leadership crisis within the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly. The report is a total figment of the imagination of its authors and their nameless sources,” the statement said.
The statement further maintained that lawmakers independently determine and manage their welfare and resource allocations, stressing that the Speaker only receives the entitlements attached to his office.
It also dismissed allegations that he sidelined members in the handling of the alleged N44 million OSOPADEC funds, describing the claims as fabricated and intended to sow discord within the Assembly.
Speaking with journalists, Oladiji also denied reports that 21 lawmakers had demanded his resignation.
