Lawmakers speak on alleged misappropriation of N50m by Speaker

The leadership of the Ondo State House of Assembly has denied the misappropriation of N50 million raised by 12 members of the Assembly against the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji.
The leaders, while speaking at a news conference on Saturday in Akure, said the 12 lawmakers were acting outside the procedures of the legislative body.
The leaders collectively appealed for calm, saying the House of Assembly remained focused on passing pending bills and ensuring collaboration with the executive for the benefit of the people.
Oladiji explained that the allegation was borne out of the disagreement that emanated as a result of the recently-passed 2025 amended budget.
He said the amendment was necessitated by the state’s current financial realities, and urged the state government to reduce the budget for timely salary payments and projects.
“What we are doing is not personal; this is an executive bill. Our duty is to ensure the state moves forward. We cannot frustrate the government’s efforts,” he said.
The speaker dismissed the letter containing the vote of no confidence allegedly passed by 12 lawmakers against him on Thursday.
According to Oladiji, no such action took place on the floor of the House.
“A vote of no confidence must be done formally, on the floor, and communicated to the House of Assembly’s clerk.
“What they are doing on social media has no legality. These same members have not been attending sittings.
“On the allegation of diversion of ₦50 million meant for a public hearing, I do not have access to cash.
“I can only give approval and the House runs a transparent and accountable financial process,” he said.
Also, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Ololade Gbegudu, said the actions of the dissenting lawmakers violated the Assembly’s Standing Orders.
“You do not issue a vote of no confidence online. You must attend sittings, follow procedures and file properly.
“Some of them have not even met attendance requirements under the legislative law,” he stated.
Similarly, Mrs Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu, Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, frowned at the 12 lawmakers’s actions.
According to her, the 12 lawmakers abandoned their duties yet accused the leadership of wrongdoings.
“Some of them are chairmen of committees who never attend public hearings. You cannot stay thousands of miles away and lead your people,” she said.
Similarly, Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Owo 1-APC, said ‘the move is pure politics, while personal ambitions for elections ahead are responsible”.
Ogunmolasuyi also the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, explained that the 2025 amended budget was in order to meet the current realities.
“At the end of the 10th Assembly, we must be able to account for our achievements. Politics should not derail governance”, he said.