Fresh Controversy As Ondo Lawmaker Claims Assembly Convened Only Four Times In 2026

A member of the Ondo State House of Assembly has alleged that the legislature convened only four plenary sittings between January and July 2026 under the leadership of Speaker Olamide Oladiji.

The lawmaker, who spoke anonymously with Punch on Tuesday, accused the Speaker of sidelining regular plenary sessions in favour of caucus and parliamentary meetings.

The allegation comes amid an intensifying leadership crisis in the Assembly, where 21 of the 26 lawmakers have reportedly signed a notice seeking Oladiji’s removal over allegations of financial misconduct.

The Speaker is accused of diverting ₦44 million earmarked for the reordering of the budget of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission.

According to reports, the lawmakers have given Oladiji until Sunday to resign or face impeachment proceedings when the Assembly reconvenes.

The anonymous lawmaker claimed the House, which is expected to hold plenary sittings three times a week—on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays—has failed to maintain that schedule for several months.

“We don’t hold plenary sessions regularly anymore. We are supposed to sit at least three times every week, but since January we have not held more than five plenary sessions,” the lawmaker said.

He further alleged that only four plenary sittings had been held this year despite the Assembly not being on recess.

“We have had only four plenary sittings since January, and we are not on recess. The Speaker does not allow plenary sessions to hold. This has been happening for more than three or four months,” he added.

Describing the situation as unconstitutional, the lawmaker alleged that some members had chosen to remain silent for fear of facing disciplinary action.

“Some of us are uncomfortable with the situation because it is against the constitution, but many members are keeping quiet to avoid sanctions. We are tired of the leadership, so he should step down,” he said.

Lawmakers Withdraw Support

Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Olatunji Fabiyi, acknowledged that although the Assembly had continued to hold parliamentary meetings, regular plenary sessions had not been taking place.

He disclosed that lawmakers recently met with the Speaker and informed him that he no longer enjoyed the confidence of the majority of members.

“About four days ago, we met with the leadership of the House. We invited the Speaker and told him clearly that he no longer enjoys the confidence of members,” Fabiyi said.

According to him, the lawmakers advised Oladiji to resign voluntarily to protect his political future.

“We advised him to step down voluntarily so that it would not have any negative effect on his political career. That was the collective decision of those present at the meeting,” he added.

Speaker Rejects Claims

Responding to the allegations, Speaker Olamide Oladiji dismissed them as false and mischievous, insisting that the Assembly had continued to conduct its statutory business.

He maintained that parliamentary meetings are recognised legislative sittings and are just as important as plenary sessions.

“Let them provide evidence. Our parliamentary meetings are statutory meetings and are part of our regular legislative activities. There may be times when we do not hold plenary, but we still hold parliamentary meetings,” he said.

Oladiji also argued that the pace of legislative activities largely depends on the volume of bills transmitted by the executive arm of government.

According to him, most of the legislation considered by the Assembly originates from the executive, particularly bills seeking to amend existing laws or introduce new ones.