Multiple sources within the Assembly told Vanguard that Oladiji, who represents Ondo East Constituency, was under intense pressure from some lawmakers over allegations that the funds were not transparently managed or properly accounted for.

According to the sources, the money was allegedly released by OSOPADEC for the benefit of the entire House, but some lawmakers reportedly accused the Speaker of failing to carry members along in the management and disbursement of the funds.

The unfolding crisis is also said to have raised questions over the continued stay in office of the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency II, while the Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jaiyeola, may reportedly be redeployed.

One of the sources said the Speaker had considered resigning on Monday ahead of a possible move by lawmakers to address the matter during Tuesday’s sitting.

The source said: “The Speaker contemplated resigning today but did not go ahead with it. The issue is connected to an alleged ₦44 million involving funds reportedly released by OSOPADEC to the Assembly.

“The money was reportedly meant for the entire House, but there are allegations that the Speaker did not carry other lawmakers along in the handling of the funds.

“It may also affect the Deputy Speaker, while the Clerk of the House could be redeployed.”

Another source said the intervention of a prominent political figure in the state may have prevented the Speaker from resigning on Monday.

“The Speaker wanted to resign today but did not eventually do so because of political intervention. We will see what happens tomorrow,” the source said.

The allegations, however, have not been independently established, and it was unclear as of press time whether the Assembly had formally commenced any investigation into the matter.

Efforts to obtain the Speaker’s reaction were unsuccessful, as calls placed to his telephone were not answered, while a message sent to him was also not responded to.

The latest development is coming against the backdrop of an earlier leadership crisis that rocked the Assembly in November 2025, when 12 lawmakers reportedly moved against the Speaker.

At the time, Oladiji dismissed the move to remove him from office, describing the allegations against his leadership as politically motivated and without merit.

The 26-member legislature was then sharply divided, with 14 lawmakers reportedly backing the Speaker, while 12 others stayed away from legislative activities amid the crisis.

The aggrieved lawmakers had accused the Speaker of alleged financial misappropriation and withholding financial records from members.

Oladiji, however, rejected the allegations, accusing the dissenting lawmakers of acting out of personal grievances and attempting to hold the House hostage over demands they allegedly made to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Meanwhile, the latest controversy involving the Assembly comes amid growing scrutiny of the financial activities of OSOPADEC, the intervention agency responsible for promoting development in the oil-producing areas of Ondo State.

Earlier this month, reports emerged that the Ondo State Auditor-General had queried seven contracts awarded by OSOPADEC, valued at about ₦6.7 billion, following the commission’s alleged failure to produce procurement and contract documents requested during the 2025 audit.

The audit reportedly raised concerns about transparency in the award and execution of several multi-billion-naira projects.

The development also followed earlier allegations of financial impropriety involving the commission.

In February, reports indicated that Governor Aiyedatiwa redeployed the then Secretary of OSOPADEC, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, to the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) as a Permanent Secretary, following allegations surrounding the alleged diversion of ₦463 million from the commission’s capital account.

Bayo-Ilawole denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the funds were released for approved projects executed through direct labour and that due process was followed.

She was subsequently reported to have appeared before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) alongside two other senior officials of the commission over the allegations.

The fresh crisis has therefore further intensified public attention on the management and accountability of funds allocated to OSOPADEC, particularly those meant for the development of oil-producing communities in the state.

As of Monday night, it remained unclear whether the Speaker would proceed with any resignation or whether lawmakers would take formal action when the House reconvenes on Tuesday.