Crisis has erupted in the Ondo State House of Assembly as lawmakers staged a walkout in protest over Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa?s N531 billion supplementary budget, accusing the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, of attempting to push the bill through hastily.

The supplementary appropriation bill, forwarded to the Assembly on November 4, 2025, seeks N254.4 billion for recurrent expenditure and N277.3 billion for capital projects for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.

This comes barely two months before the end of the fiscal year, prompting lawmakers? objections.

Sources within the Assembly said the lawmakers were frustrated by the rationale behind the supplementary request, especially given the underperformance of the 2025 Budget of Recovery, which had 62 percent allocated to capital projects and 38 percent to recurrent expenditure.

Reports indicate that less than 35 percent of the budgeted projects have been executed.

The bill was read on the Assembly Floor by the Clerk, Barrister Benjamin Jayeola, and referred to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, chaired by Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi.

However, heated arguments ensued, leading several lawmakers to walk out.

One lawmaker said, ?What is the logic of requesting another N531 billion when the current budget has largely underperformed? Most projects in the 2025 budget have recorded less than 35 percent performance. It?s simply unacceptable.?

Insiders reported that only 11 members loyal to the Speaker supported committing the bill to the committee, while dissenting lawmakers described any further sitting as a ?kangaroo session.?

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the move, calling it an attempt to divert public resources into political war chests ahead of next year?s elections.

Wande T. Ajayi, PDP?s Director of Media and Public Communications, said, ?The budget is not for progress but plunder. No leader who respects the constitution would override the legislature, intimidate lawmakers, or attempt to enact a rejected bill.

?The courage of members resisting inducement and intimidation is a service to the people of Ondo State.?

Ajayi also called on the Assembly to summon the Commissioner for Finance and the Accountant General for a public audit of funds released under the 2025 Appropriation Law.

State Information Commissioner Idowu Ajanaku confirmed that the supplementary appropriation bill was forwarded to the Assembly but denied reports of divisions among lawmakers, expressing confidence that the budget would eventually be passed. (The Guardian)

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