Ondo Assembly Crisis: 12 Lawmakers at Odds With Governor, Not the Speaker
A fresh twist has emerged in the simmering tension within the Ondo State House of Assembly as new clarifications indicate that the ongoing dispute has nothing to do with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.
Contrary to reports suggesting a leadership crisis or lapses on the part of the Speaker, sources within the Assembly say the friction stems purely from a political disagreement between twelve lawmakers and Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The lawmakers involved in the impasse are:
- Hon. Jide Oguntodu – Akure South I
- Hon. Temitope Akomolafe – Ifedore
- Hon. Fatai Atere – Akoko North-West I
- Hon. Toyin Japhet – Akoko North-East
- Hon. Raymond Daodu – Akoko South-West I
- Hon. Samuel Ifabiyi – Odigbo I
- Hon. Babatunde Fasonu – Odigbo II
- Hon. (Princess) Oluwatosin Ogunlowo – Idanre
- Hon. Afe Felix – Akoko North-West
- Hon. Nelson Akinsuroju – Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo
- Rt. Hon. (Prince) Akinruntan Abayomi – Ilaje I
- Hon. Stephen Abitogun – Akure
According to clarifications issued on Sunday, the concerns raised by the lawmakers are rooted in a strained political relationship with the Executive, and not in any alleged shortcomings of the Speaker.
The statement emphasized that Rt. Hon. Oladiji remains “entirely blameless,” noting that attempts to link him to the dispute amount to a deliberate effort to create the impression of an institutional crisis within the Assembly.
It added that the Speaker has continued to demonstrate neutrality, dignity, and strict adherence to his constitutional duties, maintaining harmonious relations with all arms of government.
Meanwhile, a majority of House members are said to be standing firmly behind the Speaker, insisting that the misunderstanding is “external to the leadership of the Assembly” and does not reflect any loss of confidence in him.
Stakeholders close to the matter describe the situation as a political disagreement being framed as a leadership tussle.
“The conflict is solely between the 12 lawmakers and the Executive, not the Speaker,” the clarification reiterated.
Despite the tension, the Speaker is reported to remain focused on ensuring peace, stability, and the smooth functioning of the legislative arm in the state.
