The leadership crisis rocking the Ondo State House of Assembly has assumed a new dimension, with Hon. Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu emerging as the public face of an impeachment campaign against Speaker Olamide Oladiji that now reportedly enjoys the backing of 24 of the Assembly’s 26 Members.
The Lawmaker representing Ilaje Constituency II has become the leading voice against Speaker Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, accusing him of financial misconduct, abuse of office and repeated violations of legislative procedure in a dispute that has paralyzed activities in the House for weeks.
The N44 million controversy
At the heart of the crisis is the alleged handling of about ₦44 million linked to the reordering of the 2026 budget of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
According to Fayemi-Obayelu and other Lawmakers, the Speaker allegedly approved matters relating to the reordering of the Commission’s budget and the management of the funds without obtaining the approval of the House, contrary to legislative practice. Lawmakers have also alleged that the money was received on behalf of Members without their knowledge or consent.
The Speaker has denied the allegations.
Why Fayemi-Obayelu is leading the charge
Although House Committee Chairman on Information, Hon. Olatunji Fabiyi, has consistently spoken on behalf of the aggrieved Lawmakers, Fayemi-Obayelu has become the most outspoken individual member in the unfolding crisis.
Beyond the financial allegations, she has accused Oladiji of sidelining Lawmakers in decision-making and issuing House resolutions without first securing the approval of Members, an allegation the anti-Speaker bloc says amounts to a breach of legislative procedure.
She has also questioned the implementation of the State’s O’Datiwa Electricity Meter Distribution Programme, alleging that due legislative oversight was ignored.
In her latest intervention, Fayemi-Obayelu disclosed that support for the Speaker’s removal had risen from the 21 Lawmakers who initially signed the impeachment notice to 24 of the 26 Members, indicating that the Speaker had effectively lost the confidence of an overwhelming majority of the Assembly.
Governor’s intervention
The impeachment process was temporarily put on hold following the intervention of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who reportedly appealed to the Lawmakers to allow a two-week window for reconciliation.
According to Fayemi-Obayelu, the lawmakers honoured the governor’s request by refraining from making public statements during the period. However, she said the reconciliation deadline expires on Sunday, insisting that the Lawmakers remain determined to proceed with the Speaker’s removal if no resolution is reached.
She has also urged Oladiji to resign voluntarily in order to protect both his personal reputation and the image of the Assembly.
Speaker alleges political agenda
Oladiji has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
The Speaker maintains that the impeachment campaign has little to do with financial misconduct, arguing instead that it is being driven by political calculations ahead of the 2027 General Elections. He claimed some Lawmakers became dissatisfied after failing to secure return tickets and because of disagreements over his continued leadership of the House.
However, Fabiyi rejected that explanation, insisting that the impeachment effort is rooted solely in accountability, transparency and adherence to legislative procedure.
Crisis widens
The dispute has since escalated beyond the Assembly Chamber.
Lawmakers backing the impeachment have accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of attempting to shield the Speaker from removal, insisting that his impeachment is “non-negotiable.” The prolonged standoff has disrupted legislative activities and exposed deep divisions within the APC-controlled Assembly.
Meanwhile, OSOPADEC has publicly distanced itself from the controversy, stressing that it has no role in the internal affairs of the House and warning against attempts to drag the Commission into the political crisis.
With 24 Lawmakers now reportedly backing the impeachment move, attention has shifted to whether Governor Aiyedatiwa’s mediation can still avert a leadership showdown or whether Fayemi-Obayelu and her colleagues will press ahead with what could become one of the most consequential changes in the leadership of the Ninth Ondo State House of Assembly.