Thugs invade Ondo Assembly over Speaker’s removal

Tension gripped the Ondo State House of Assembly in Akure on Thursday after suspected thugs reportedly entered the legislative complex as lawmakers intensified moves to remove Speaker Olamide Oladiji.

Sources within the Assembly said the men were believed to have come from Ondo township, which is part of the Speaker’s constituency.

The suspected thugs reportedly moved around different offices within the complex, although their purpose was unclear. Their presence heightened concerns among lawmakers and workers at the Assembly.

A staff member, who spoke anonymously, said the situation was eventually brought under control following the intervention of some lawmakers, including Olajide Oguntodu, and security personnel.

The suspected hoodlums were subsequently forced out of the premises, the source said.

Their reported invasion came amid growing tensions among lawmakers over an alleged attempt to impeach Oladiji.

The Speaker has been facing accusations from some members over the handling of N44 million said to have been released by the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) for the reordering of its 2026 budget.

The aggrieved lawmakers reportedly accused Oladiji of failing to adequately involve members in the management and disbursement of the funds.

The Speaker has rejected the allegations, describing the impeachment effort as politically motivated and insisting that he had no plan to resign from office.

Oladiji also alleged that some lawmakers behind the move were those who failed to secure return tickets during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections.

The latest development has further heightened the political tension within the Assembly, with security concerns now adding another dimension to the dispute.