On Friday, 14 out of 26 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly passed a vote of confidence in Assembly Speaker Chief Olamide Oladiji. This follows a report that 12 lawmakers had passed a vote of no confidence, alleging misappropriation of N50 million.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, shared the vote of confidence in a letter made available to journalists in Akure. The letter urged the public to ignore calls for the speaker’s removal. Furthermore, it emphasized that the allegations were entirely unfounded.
Speaker Cleared of Allegations
The letter stated that Chief Oladiji never diverted funds. It also noted that the 12 dissenting lawmakers often miss parliamentary meetings and plenary sessions due to living mostly abroad.
“The allegations against the speaker are figments of imagination,” the letter said. “They are completely devoid of facts.” As a result, the Assembly reassured residents that it remains committed to transparency and delivering the dividends of democracy under the EASE government.
Assembly Stands United
Assembly Majority Leader Chief Olatunji Oshati highlighted the unity of the House. He also denied any discussion about impeaching the speaker during plenary or committee meetings.
Oshati emphasized that the Assembly prioritizes people-centered legislation. He added that disagreements are natural in a healthy democracy; however, all conflicts should be resolved reasonably and fairly.
Moreover, he advised the media to verify and balance stories before publication to avoid unnecessary tension. “Ethics demand responsible journalism,” he said.
Conclusion
With the vote of confidence, Chief Olamide Oladiji remains the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly. Consequently, this decision reinforces stability within the legislature. It also demonstrates the Assembly’s ongoing commitment to transparency, democratic processes, and the welfare of the people.
