Fresh controversy has erupted within the Ondo State political space following a strongly worded statement by the member representing Ilaje Constituency II in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, in which she alleged that she had been threatened over her stance on issues concerning the Assembly and the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
Fayemi-Obayelu, in a statement published on her Facebook page and obtained by PalacePulse News, claimed that she had received several telephone calls allegedly warning her to discontinue her investigations into alleged cases of bribery, forgery and corruption.
The lawmaker, who did not provide details of the alleged incidents or identify those she claimed were behind the threats, said the situation had become so serious that she recently narrowly escaped what she described as a potentially fatal incident.
“Just now, I narrowly escaped death. Kilode,” she wrote.
In the statement, Fayemi-Obayelu directly addressed the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, popularly known as Landmark, accusing him of allegedly attempting to silence her because of her position on matters concerning the 10th Assembly.
She reminded the Speaker that although he occupies the office of the presiding officer, he remains a representative of the people, just like other members of the House.
“You are first among equals and we both were elected as members to serve our respective constituents,” she stated.
The lawmaker questioned what she described as an attempt to intimidate her, insisting that she would not be forced into silence.
Fayemi-Obayelu also recalled her involvement in the previous impeachment crisis in Ondo State, saying she was the only woman among members of the Integrity Group, popularly known as G11, and that she stood her ground against what she considered injustice.
According to her, that experience has strengthened her resolve to resist any form of pressure in the present circumstances.
“This time, there shall not be any form of intimidation or threat that will stop me. I still stand unshaken,” she declared.
The lawmaker further raised concerns about the management of resources meant for the people of Ilaje, alleging that funds intended for her constituents were being improperly handled.
She specifically alleged a connection between the Speaker and the management of OSOPADEC, accusing them of allegedly plotting to deprive the people of Ilaje of resources meant for their development.
“Ilaje people will not continue to suffer while you plot with the management to side-phone money meant for my people. NEVER!” she declared.
The statement represents a significant escalation in the ongoing political tensions surrounding the Ondo State House of Assembly, as the lawmaker further accused the Speaker of what she described as arrogance and abuse of power.
Fayemi-Obayelu stated that she had remained restrained for some time, explaining that her decision to tolerate certain developments was influenced by her respect for the Governor of Ondo State.
However, she said she had now reached a point where she could no longer remain silent.
“I have stood behind the scenes, sucking up your arrogant attitude because of the respect I have for the Governor. No, enough is enough,” she stated.
The lawmaker also said she would not allow anyone to threaten her life or undermine the legacy of her late father.
She subsequently reaffirmed what she described as a resolution supported by two-thirds of the members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, calling on the Speaker to either resign or face what she described as the consequences of his alleged actions.
Fayemi-Obayelu ended her statement with an emphatic declaration of defiance:
“NO GOING BACK!!!”
The allegations contained in the statement are those of the lawmaker and have not been independently verified by PalacePulse News.
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and OSOPADEC had not, as of the time of filing this report, publicly responded to the allegations or the claims of threats made by the lawmaker.
The development is likely to attract further reactions within political circles in Ondo State, particularly as attention shifts to the next steps that may be taken by the various parties involved.
PalacePulse News will continue to monitor the situation and provide readers with verified updates as events unfold.
