The Ondo State House of Assembly has been thrown into fresh crisis following reports that 21 out of the 26 lawmakers have signed an impeachment notice against the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, over alleged financial misconduct involving N44 million reportedly released by the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

The lawmakers are reportedly accusing the Speaker of mishandling funds said to have been released in connection with the reordering of the OSOPADEC 2026 budget.

According to reports, some members of the Assembly are unhappy with the alleged manner in which the funds were handled, claiming that the Speaker failed to adequately carry other lawmakers along in the disbursement process.

A member of the Assembly, who spoke on condition of anonymity, reportedly confirmed that an impeachment process had been initiated, adding that 21 lawmakers had already signed the notice.

The lawmaker further alleged that the lawmakers had given the Speaker an opportunity to resign honourably, but that failure to do so could lead to his removal through an impeachment process on the floor of the House.

The development has reportedly heightened tension within the Assembly, with the controversy also raising questions about the future of other principal officers.

However, Speaker Olamide Oladiji has strongly denied the allegations, describing reports of an impending impeachment, resignation plan and financial misconduct as false, malicious and politically motivated.

The Speaker reportedly said he was not aware of any impeachment notice and maintained that there was no leadership crisis within the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly.

His office also rejected allegations that he diverted or mismanaged the N44 million OSOPADEC funds, insisting that the claims were fabricated to create disaffection within the legislature.

Meanwhile, the controversy has also seen allegations and counter-allegations among members of the Assembly. Hon. Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, representing Ilaje Constituency II, has alleged that she faced threats in connection with her investigation into the matter and called for accountability over the handling of the funds.

The Speaker has, however, denied any wrongdoing and challenged those making allegations against him to provide evidence.

As of the latest reports, the political crisis within the Ondo State House of Assembly remains unresolved, with the reported impeachment move and the Speaker’s denial setting the stage for further developments in the coming days.

The allegations have not been independently established, and the Speaker remains in office as the matter continues to unfold.