Lawmakers in the Ondo State House of Assembly have accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of undue interference amid a deepening crisis in the legislative chamber, according to The Guardian Nigeria News.
The crisis escalated as lawmakers boycotted plenary and insisted that Speaker Olamide Oladiji must resign before they resume sittings. The legislators allege that the speaker diverted N44 million and altered the budget of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) by N9.2 billion, reports TheCable and Sahara Reporters.
The Guardian Nigeria News reports that the lawmakers claim Aiyedatiwa has been interfering in the assembly's internal affairs, which they say has worsened the standoff. The governor's office has not issued a public response to the allegations of interference as of press time.
Vanguard News quotes the lawmakers as stating, "No plenary until speaker resigns." The speaker's resignation deadline has expired, according to Punch Newspapers, but OSOPADEC has denied any role in the budget alteration dispute, Punch adds.
The crisis has paralyzed legislative business in Ondo State, with no plenary sessions held since the boycott began. The lawmakers have not indicated when they might return to work if the speaker remains in office.
Observers will watch whether Governor Aiyedatiwa responds to the interference allegations or if the speaker agrees to step down to allow the assembly to resume normal functions.
