Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday presented a N492.8bn appropriation bill to the state House of Assembly for the 2026 fiscal year.
The budget presentation comes as the governor resolved the lingering crisis in the 26-man Assembly, where 12 lawmakers were pushing to impeach the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji.
Tagged the “Budget of Economic Consolidation,” the proposal allocates N167.5bn for recurrent expenditure and N281.9bn for capital projects.
Presenting the budget to the 26-member Assembly, Aiyedatiwa said the 2026 plan builds on the 2025 budget, marking a shift from recovery to sustained consolidation of economic gains.
He stated, “The 2025 budget, christened the Budget of Recovery, focused on stabilising critical sectors, restoring essential services, and reviving public confidence after a period of fiscal strain.
Having laid this solid foundation and achieved measurable gains—particularly in infrastructure rehabilitation, service delivery, and public financial management—the state is now positioned to deepen these achievements by strengthening revenue structures, accelerating growth-driven investments, and institutionalising reforms.
“The title of the 2026 Budget of Economic Consolidation is aptly justified as the natural progression from previous years’ activities. It reflects a deliberate shift from mere restoration to sustained consolidation of economic gains, ensuring that the progress recorded in 2025 matures into long-term prosperity, resilience, and inclusive development for the people of Ondo State.”
The governor thanked stakeholders for their contributions during the 2026 budget consultative meetings, noting that their inputs “greatly enriched this budget and enhanced its impact.”
He expressed hope that the Assembly would give the budget “careful consideration” and reaffirmed the executive’s commitment to its timely and effective implementation, adding that 2026 is expected to bring “significant progress, prosperity, and well-being” to citizens.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Olamide Oladiji, promised that the budget would undergo thorough scrutiny.
“This 2026 budget is aimed at consolidating the 2025 budget and improving the standard of living of our people. It is a blueprint for the better future of Ondo State,” he said.
The PUNCH had earlier reported tensions within the House, with 12 of the 26 members allegedly staying away from proceedings amid disagreements, despite all being from the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The Speaker, Oladiji, however, disclosed on Monday that the matter had been amicably resolved following Governor Aiyedatiwa’s intervention.
He said, “My distinguished colleagues, I thank you all for your unflinching support and cooperation at all times. Your willingness and ability to resolve disagreements amicably, especially the recent crisis, is a testament to our commitment to the progress of our state.
“I appreciate your trust and confidence in my leadership. As we are living in a cohabitant world, we are bound to disagree and agree. In all that happened, I know it was for the betterment of our dear state. The interest of the state is always paramount.
“May I use this opportunity to appreciate the governor, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa Aifor, his quick intervention and fatherly efforts in resolving the crisis. Mr. Governor, sir, I am grateful for your positive disposition towards saving the situation and returning lasting peace to this honorable House.”
The PUNCH reported that one of the lawmakers leading the revolt, Mr Olajide Oguntolu, representing Akure South Constituency 1, had accused Oladiji of misappropriation of funds and withholding financial records from members.
“There is gross misappropriation of funds in that Assembly,” Oguntolu alleged. “This Speaker thinks he is running a kindergarten Assembly. All we are asking for is transparency and accountability. We have all signed the impeachment notice.”
However, Speaker Oladiji faulted the impeachment attempt, insisting the dissenting lawmakers were acting out of personal grievances and were attempting to hold the House hostage over demands they made to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“We have a Standing Order guiding our activities,” he said. “These honourable members who claim to have passed a vote of no confidence have not been coming to the House for legislative duties. Many of them are outside the country. They said they have certain demands from His Excellency, but we cannot tie legislative work—particularly the supplementary budget—to personal requests.”
On the allegation of misappropriation, the Speaker maintained that he neither handles nor accesses Assembly funds directly.
“We have an accounting officer in the House. I only give approvals; I do not handle money. Their accusations are tied to their demands, not to any misconduct,” he said.
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