Aiyedatiwa Presents N492.8bn Ondo Budget as Assembly Crisis Settles

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Monday presented a N492.8bn budget proposal for the 2026 financial year to the Ondo State House of Assembly, marking a major step toward stabilising the state’s political and economic structure after weeks of internal tension within the legislature.

The proposal, titled “Budget of Economic Consolidation,” allocates N167.5bn to recurrent spending and N281.9bn to capital projects. It builds on the 2025 fiscal blueprint and is designed to strengthen revenue systems, expand growth-focused investments, and entrench long-term reforms.

Aiyedatiwa told lawmakers that the previous budget restored essential services, rehabilitated infrastructure, and improved financial management after a period of fiscal difficulty. He added that the 2026 plan is structured to convert those early gains into lasting development for citizens.

He said the budget process was enriched by contributions from stakeholders during consultative meetings, stating that the document reflects their expectations and the administration’s commitment to inclusive progress. The governor urged the Assembly to give the bill thorough consideration and expressed confidence that 2026 would bring improved prosperity and stability to residents across the state.

Speaker Olamide Oladiji assured that the House would subject the proposal to detailed scrutiny and described it as a roadmap for improved living standards and continued consolidation of the previous year’s achievements.

The budget presentation followed the governor’s intervention in the recent crisis that split the 26-member Assembly. Twelve lawmakers had stayed away from plenary sessions during a standoff linked to an attempt to remove the Speaker. Oladiji confirmed on Monday that the conflict had been resolved through dialogue facilitated by the governor.

He thanked colleagues for cooperating despite disagreements and credited the governor’s timely involvement with restoring peace in the legislature. Oladiji said the House remains committed to the state’s progress and will not allow personal grievances to obstruct legislative duties.

One of the lawmakers who spearheaded the attempted impeachment, Olajide Oguntolu of Akure South Constituency 1, had accused the Speaker of financial misconduct and withholding records. Oguntolu insisted that members had signed a notice calling for Oladiji’s removal.

The Speaker rejected the allegations. He said he does not handle Assembly funds directly since financial management is overseen by the accounting officer. He argued that the accusations were driven by personal demands and that several dissenting members had not been attending legislative sittings. Oladiji added that the lawmakers’ threats were tied to conditions they attempted to place before the governor.

The Assembly will now begin formal consideration of the N492.8bn budget as the state prepares for the 2026 fiscal year.