The Coalition of Ondo Kingdom stakeholders, under All Progressive Congress (APC), has passed vote of confidence in Mr Olamide Oladiji, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, over alleged N44 million misappropriation.
themomentng reports that the state lawmakers demanded Oladiji’s resignation over alleged financial misconduct regarding N44 million on Monday.
The money was released to the Assembly by the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
The coalition passed the vote of confidence at a news conference organised by the stakeholders on Sunday in Ondo Town, Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.
Hon Lulu Fawehinmi, the coalition’s Convener, described the allegations leveled against the speaker as false, baseless and misleading.
Fawehinmi called on the public to allow Oladiji deliver good governance in support of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The convener tasked all political actors and stakeholders to exercise restraint and uphold the integrity of the state’s democratic institutions.
According to him, the allegations of forgery are grave matters that should be pursued through due process, not through media sensationalism or political propaganda.
“From available information, all actions relating to the consideration and transmission of the state House of Assembly’s resolutions were carried out in accordance with their rules and standing orders.
“So, there is no time any credible evidence has been presented to establish that the speaker forged or altered any official Assembly document.
“We, therefore, challenge those making these allegations to present verifiable evidence before the appropriate legal and institutional authorities,” he said.
“The coalition is committed to truth, accountability, the rule of law, and democratic governance in the state. The stakeholders fully supported the leadership of the speaker.
The convener, however, said Ondo kingdom had resolved to have the highest vote as a Local Government Area (LGA) in the state for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 General Elections.
Also, Alhaji Bashiru Olawale and Mr Seyi Oguntimehin, vice chairmen of the Ondo West and East Local Government Area respectively, urged the state lawmakers to sheathe their swords for peace to reign in the state.
“Oladiji was a business mogul before venturing into politics. The amount leveled against him is too small for his personality and it was done to dent his image.
“Ondo kingdom is not comfortable with the crisis rocking the assembly; we are appealing to honourable members to come together and make peace for the smooth running of good governance in the state.
“Oladiji has the capacity to bridge the gap between the executive, legislature, community, and the state at large. We want to him to continue as the speaker in Ondo State,” they said.
Similarly, Mr Akintunde John, former vice chairman of Ondo West Local Government and former special adviser to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa on mobilization, called on the Assembly to shun division for the betterment of the state.
“We are appealing to all our legislators that the peace reigning in the state should continue because any problems in the Assembly will affect the entire state.
“We are not saying they should not carry out their legislative functions, but we don’t want discord, rather legislations that will bring development and progress to Ondo State,” John said
Meanwhile, Princess Mary Akinfolarin, Vice Chairman, Ondo North/East Local Council Development Area, said “the allegations were a witch hunt and painted Mr. Speaker blue and black against the people of the state”.
“The alleged N44 million is for the whole house of assembly or between two people? Even if they share it, how much is going to be for the speaker?,” she said.
