Impeachment crisis: Panic as suspected thugs storm Ondo Assembly complex

The leadership crisis in the Ondo State House of Assembly escalated on Thursday after suspected thugs allegedly invaded the legislative complex, heightening tension over the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Speaker Olamide Oladiji.

The alleged invasion occurred as lawmakers remained divided over moves to remove the Speaker from office, with sources within the Assembly describing the incident as an attempt to intimidate legislators and administrative workers.

The suspected thugs reportedly stormed the Assembly premises unexpectedly and moved through the corridors, entering offices and reportedly searching different sections of the complex.

Their presence disrupted legislative activities and triggered panic among staff, some of whom reportedly locked themselves inside their offices as the situation became increasingly tense.

Intruders Allegedly Mobilised Over Impeachment Move

Sources familiar with the development alleged that the suspected thugs were mobilised in connection with the impeachment crisis and were brought to the complex to frustrate attempts by lawmakers to remove the Speaker.

The allegation, however, has not been independently established, and it remains unclear who organised or sponsored the men.

For several minutes, the group reportedly moved around the premises while lawmakers and staff attempted to determine the reason for their presence.

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An Assembly staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the situation was eventually brought under control after some lawmakers and security personnel intervened.

“It took the combined efforts of Hon. Oguntodu, some members of the House, and the security agencies to ensure the hoodlums were displaced from the premises,” the source said.

“They were moving erratically, and no one could ascertain their specific mission until the intervention occurred.”

22 Lawmakers Sign Impeachment Notice

The alleged invasion comes against the backdrop of a growing impeachment crisis involving the Speaker.

More than 22 of the Assembly’s 26 lawmakers have reportedly signed an impeachment notice demanding Oladiji’s immediate resignation.

The development represents a potentially decisive challenge to the Speaker, given that the number of lawmakers reportedly backing the move constitutes a substantial majority of the 26-member chamber.

The impeachment effort is linked to allegations of financial impropriety, particularly claims surrounding the alleged diversion of N44 million from funds allocated to the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

The allegations have yet to be proven, and the Speaker’s position on the specific accusations was not contained in the information available.

Legislative Complex Becomes Centre of Tension

The alleged invasion has transformed the Assembly premises into the latest flashpoint in the escalating political confrontation.

Witnesses said the atmosphere became tense as the suspected intruders moved from one part of the complex to another, leaving workers uncertain about what would happen next.

The disruption also raised concerns over the safety of lawmakers and civil servants working within the legislative complex.

Security agencies were subsequently deployed around the premises, with the security presence reportedly increased to prevent further disturbances.

Lawmakers Hold Marathon Meeting

As tension mounted, some members of the Assembly reportedly entered into a marathon meeting to deliberate on the unfolding crisis and the next steps regarding the Speaker’s impeachment.

The closed-door discussions are expected to focus on the impeachment process, the alleged invasion and measures required to protect the integrity of the legislative institution.

The development could further deepen divisions within the Assembly, particularly if lawmakers proceed with the impeachment process despite the reported attempt to disrupt proceedings.

For now, security has been tightened around the Ondo Assembly complex as lawmakers continue their meetings amid a leadership crisis that has placed the Speaker’s position under unprecedented pressure.

The unfolding situation is likely to be closely watched as the Assembly determines whether the impeachment proceedings against Oladiji will proceed and whether Thursday’s disruption will affect the legislative process.