₦50m diversion scandal: 12 Ondo Lawmakers move to remove Speaker over alleged misconduct. By Lai Gidado
₦50m diversion scandal: 12 Ondo Lawmakers move to remove Speaker over alleged misconduct
Twelve members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have passed a vote of no confidence in the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, accusing him of gross misconduct and violations of constitutional and criminal provisions.
In a formal resolution dated 13 November 2025, the lawmakers alleged that the Speaker diverted ₦50 million appropriated for a public hearing and further misappropriated the House’s monthly operational grants.
According to them, these infractions breach multiple legal frameworks, including:
Paragraph 9, Part I, Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits abuse of office;
Provisions of the Seventh Schedule on the Oath of Office and Allegiance;
Section 19 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, relating to abuse of office for corrupt advantage;
Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act, which addresses stealing by public officers.
The lawmakers said the alleged actions of the Speaker amount to gross misconduct as defined under Section 188(11) of the Constitution, stressing that the development has “gravely impaired the institutional integrity and lawful operations of the House.”
Exercising the powers granted under Section 92(4)(c) of the Constitution, the 12 members resolved as follows:
1. A Vote of No Confidence has been passed on Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.
2. The Speaker should be invited by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for immediate investigation, prosecution where necessary, and recovery of all allegedly misappropriated public funds.
The resolution was jointly signed by the following Honourable Members:
1. Hon. Jide Oguntodu – Akure South 1
2. Hon. Temitope Akomolafe – Ifedore
3. Hon. Fatai Atere – Akoko North/West 1
4. Hon. Toyin Japhet – Akoko North East
5. Hon. Raymond Daodu – Akoko South West 1
6. Hon. Samuel Ifabiyi – Odigbo 1
7. Hon. Babatunde Fasonu – Odigbo 2
8. Hon. (Princess) Oluwatosin Ogunlowo – Idanre
9. Hon. Afe Felix – Akoko North/West 2
10. Hon. Nelson Akinsuroju – Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo
11. Rt. Hon. (Prince) Akinruntan Abayomi – Ilaje 1
12. Hon. Stephen Abitogun – Akure South 2
The development marks a major shake-up in the Assembly’s leadership and signals an unfolding political and legal battle over the allegations.
