Ondo State lawmakers have indefinitely suspended legislative sessions in protest over demands for Speaker Olamide Oladiji's resignation, citing allegations of financial mismanagement tied to N44 million allocated by the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC). The suspension came after 21 out of 26 lawmakers reportedly signed a motion calling for the speaker’s removal, marking a major disruption in the state assembly’s operations. Lawmakers claimed that Speaker Oladiji failed to involve them in the disbursement of the N44 million, which was intended for reordering the commission’s 2026 budget. According to the Assembly’s spokesperson, Olatunji Ifabiyi, members have unanimously decided not to reconvene plenary sessions until a new speaker is appointed. He emphasized that the current speaker must resign, or else impeachment proceedings will begin. “For now, there is no development except that Mr Speaker should just give way and allow another person to preside over the Ondo State House of Assembly,” Ifabiyi said. He warned that if the speaker refuses to step down, he will be removed through formal channels. The crisis escalated amid conflicting reports about attempts to resolve the situation. An anonymous official from the Assembly claimed that a peace meeting was held on Sunday, bringing together affected lawmakers and senior Assembly leaders. However, Ifabiyi denied awareness of such a meeting, insisting that the lawmakers' stance has not changed. Additionally, he confirmed that allegations of an attempted assassination against a lawmaker had been reported to security authorities for investigation. The dispute has intensified tensions within the Ondo State House of Assembly, with some lawmakers accusing the speaker of acting unilaterally in matters affecting the entire body. The controversy follows similar developments in the Ogun State House of Assembly, where lawmakers recently cleared former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo of embezzlement charges, reversing a prior impeachment decision. While Ogun lawmakers concluded that no evidence supported the allegations against Oluomo, the case highlighted ongoing debates over how financial misconduct is used in legislative leadership disputes. In a separate development, Olatunji Fabiyi, chairman of the House Committee on Information, revealed that 21 lawmakers had formally asked Speaker Oladiji to resign or face impeachment. He noted that the lawmakers had met the required two-thirds majority to initiate removal proceedings. Fabiyi clarified that the group had given the speaker a few more days to resign voluntarily before moving forward with impeachment. He also dismissed suggestions that the move was orchestrated by the executive branch, stating that the House leadership had informed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the situation. Fabiyi further detailed the nature of the allegations, explaining that a resolution related to the OSOPADEC budget was improperly drafted in the names of lawmakers without their consent. He called this act a criminal offense, arguing that the speaker had acted behind their backs. “It is about the OSOPADEC budget. A resolution was written in the name of members without our knowledge. It was stated that members had sat down and agreed to it and that it was our resolution, which it was not,” Fabiyi said. He accused individuals of aiding and abetting the speaker if they continued to protect him. Meanwhile, a female lawmaker, Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, alleged that her life was threatened due to her involvement in investigating the speaker over the N44 million scandal. She claimed that the speaker had attempted to intimidate her for probing the alleged diversion of funds meant for riverine community development in Ilaje Local Government Area. The speaker denied these accusations, calling them “sensational, malicious, and entirely fabricated.” His office issued a statement denying any intention to resign and dismissing the claims as false and fabricated.
4 reports
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 80yesterdayLawmakers in Ondo State, Nigeria, have suspended all legislative sessions indefinitely, demanding the resignation of Speaker Olamide Oladiji over allegations of financial mismanagement related to N44 million allocated by the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC). Twenty-one out of 26 lawmakers reportedly signed a motion calling for the speaker's removal, citing failure to involve them in the disbursement process. The Assembly's spokesperson, Olatunji Ifabiyi, stated that plenary sessions will not resume until a new speaker is appointed, with threats of impeachment if Oladiji refuses to resign. Conflicting reports emerged regarding internal attempts to resolve the crisis, with some claiming a peace meeting occurred while others denied knowledge of it. This leadership crisis highlights ongoing tensions within the Ondo State House of Assembly.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the conflict as a legitimate demand for accountability against the speaker, emphasizing the lawmakers' actions as justified responses to alleged mismanagement. It presents the suspension of legislative duties as a direct consequence of the speaker's alleged misconduct, which align
Why factuality (75): This article continues the coverage of the same assembly crisis, detailing the suspension of legislative duties and the demand for the Speaker's resignation. It references the N44 million allocation and the allegations of financial mismanagement. It quotes the Assembly's spokesperson, Olatunji Ifabi
Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, presenting the lawmakers' demands and the implications of the Speaker's refusal to resign. It reports on the suspension of legislative activities and the potential impeachment proceedings without expressing personal opinion or bias. The language is factual and focused on th
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 806 days ago Ondo Assembly Crisis: 21 lawmakers ask Speaker to resign or be forced outTwenty-one members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have demanded that Speaker Olamide Oladiji either resign or face impeachment over allegations of corruption. The lawmakers accuse Oladiji of collecting N44 million from the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) on their behalf without distributing it. Oladiji has denied the claims, calling them false and politically motivated. The 21 lawmakers, who constitute a two-thirds majority, have signed an impeachment notice and given Oladiji an ultimatum to resign. If he does not comply, they plan to proceed with his removal during the next plenary session. The dispute reportedly stems from a fraudulent resolution related to the OSOPADEC budget, allegedly written in the members' names without their consent. The crisis is described as an internal matter, though the governor has been informed and asked for time to resolve it amicably.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the accusations made by the lawmakers and the denial from the Speaker, providing balanced perspectives without overtly favoring one side. There is no clear indication of biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context that would suggest a particular ideological傾
Why factuality (75): The article reports on a crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly where 21 lawmakers demanded the Speaker's resignation over corruption allegations. It cites statements from the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Olatunji Fabiyi, and mentions the specific amount of N44 million alleged
Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting both the lawmakers' demands and the Speaker's denial. It avoids taking sides in the dispute, focusing on reporting the developments and statements from officials. The language remains formal and objective, without emotional or biased phrasing.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenter3 hr. agoThe Ondo State House of Assembly is facing a significant crisis as 21 out of 26 lawmakers claim that only four plenary sessions were held in seven months under the current Speaker, Mr. Olamide Oladiji. These lawmakers have suspended legislative business and demanded the Speaker's resignation, citing concerns over the reordering of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) budget, which they allege involves N44 million. The Assembly spokesperson acknowledged the infrequent sittings, stating this has hindered legislative activities and increased frustration among members. The lawmakers argue that the Speaker delays sessions during disagreements and sometimes cancels meetings entirely, leading to prolonged inactivity. In response, the Speaker denied the allegations, insisting that the parliamentary meetings are considered statutory and requesting evidence to support the claims.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the accusations against the Speaker and his denial, providing perspectives from multiple stakeholders including the aggrieved lawmakers and the Assembly spokesperson. There is no evident bias toward either side, and the content is balanced in presenting the situation as it
The PunchIndependentProgressive8 hr. agoThe Ondo State House of Assembly is facing a crisis as lawmakers accuse Speaker Mr Olamide Oladiji of preventing regular plenary sessions, which they claim has not occurred more than five times this year. The dispute began when 21 out of 26 members signed an impeachment motion against the Speaker over allegations of financial misconduct involving N44 million in budget reallocation. Lawmakers allege that the Speaker is suppressing plenary sittings, leading to frustration and calls for his resignation. In response, the Speaker denies the claims, stating that parliamentary sittings are conducted regularly and that the term 'plenary' is being misused. The situation highlights internal tensions within the assembly regarding governance practices and accountability.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the conflict as a legitimate challenge to the Speaker's authority based on constitutional principles and transparency. It emphasizes the lawmakers' grievances about irregular plenary sessions and the alleged misuse of power, presenting these as valid concerns rather than partisan鬧
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