Ondo Lawmakers Invite EFCC To Probe Speaker Over Alleged Financial Impropriety

By Ayodele Oni

Some Lawmakers in the Ondo state House of Assembly have asked  the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately investigate the speaker, Olajide Oladiji and initiate prosecution where necessary, including recovery of any allegedly diverted or misappropriated funds.

This is coming in the wake of disagreement coming following inability by the Speaker to account for some transactions amounting to about N50 Million.

Twelve Lawmakers formally declared a Vote of No Confidence in the Speaker, accusing him of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and serious financial impropriety.

The Lawmakers, in a strongly worded resolution issued on Thursday, said the Speaker’s actions have “gravely undermined public trust” and violated multiple provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and extant anti-corruption laws.

Citing Section 92(4)(c) of the Constitution—which empowers lawmakers to remove a Speaker for misconduct—the aggrieved legislators alleged that Oladiji was involved in two major financial offences: the diversion of ₦50 million earmarked for a public hearing, and the misappropriation of the Assembly’s monthly operational grants.

They further argued that the allegations constitute violations of Paragraph 9, Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution (Code of Conduct for Public Officers), the Oath of Office in the Seventh Schedule, Section 19 of the ICPC Act (2000), and Section 390 of the Criminal Code, which borders on stealing by a public officer.

According to them, these actions amount to gross misconduct as defined by Section 188(11) of the Constitution, insisting that the integrity, accountability, and smooth functioning of the House have been severely compromised.

Report Indicates that with the position of the 26 – member parliament, the assembly is expected to experience tension when it resumes for plenary next week