During Aiyedatiwa’s declaration to seek re-election, Oladiji stated, “18 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have agreed to support Aiyedatiwa. Even those who are not in the APC are with us in this struggle, and by the grace of God, we will arrive at the promised land.”
The signatories included the Majority Leader, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Chief Whip Oluwarotimi Babatunde Fasonu, Minority Leader Olajide Johnson Oguntodu, and Deputy Minority Leader Raymond Daodu, among others.
The lawmakers categorically stated that the House had not passed any resolution to endorse Aiyedatiwa or any other gubernatorial candidate, as required by democratic principles and due process.
They condemned Oladiji’s declaration as “untrue, misleading, unparliamentary, and ridiculous,” arguing that he lacked the moral and legal authority to pledge support for any aspirant without the explicit consent of members.
“As Honourable members of the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly, we were shocked and disappointed to hear the public declaration made by the Honourable Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji, to the extent that the Ondo State House of Assembly has agreed to support the governorship ambition of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa”
They stated further, “We, therefore, wish to inform the good people of Ondo State at home and in the diaspora that: at no point did the Ondo State House of Assembly deliberate the governorship ambition of any of the numerous aspirants that have indicated their interests to contest for the State’s 2024 Governorship Election, let alone agree to support any particular aspirant.
“Mr. Speaker lacks the moral and legal authorities to speak or pledge support for any governorship aspirant on behalf of the House without the explicit consent of members.
“Consequently, we hereby pass a vote of no-confidence in the leadership of the Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji.
“The House of Assembly however reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all decisions taken are transparent enough and are in the best interest of the people of Ondo State”