BREAKING: Alimosho LG Chair, Jelili Sulaimon, Suspended Indefinitely Over Allegaed Misconduct, Defiance

The Lagos State House of Assembly has, with immediate effect, suspended the Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon indefinitely, over allegations of misconduct and defiance of the legislative House, as announced on October 7, 2024.

According to PUNCH, the decision, was confirmed in statement titled “Breaking: Lagos Assembly Suspends Alimosho Council Chairman,” published on the Assembly’s website on October 7, 2024, The verdict passed during Monday’s plenary session, after lawmakers voted unanimously to remove Sulaimon over allegations of misconduct and defiance of the legislative House.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the session, directed the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to all relevant authorities, saying, “It is essential that all stakeholders understand the seriousness of this decision and that the law must be upheld.”

The Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sanni Okanlawon, who moved the motion for suspension, as quoted by PUNCH NEWSPAPER, said; “It is evident that Jelili Sulaimon has continuously disregarded this House’s authority and failed to comply with directives, showing blatant misconduct. We cannot stand by and allow such chaos to persist.”

Okanlawon also highlighted the unrest that occurred in the Iyana-Ipaja axis in April 2024, which led to the death of a civilian.

“Following our investigation into the unfortunate pandemonium that broke out, it was clear that Sulaimon masterminded the incident. He has since refused to cooperate with this House’s inquiries,” he added.

Also, Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, emphasised that the suspension serves as a warning to other council chairmen in full backing of the motion;

“Sulaimon’s refusal to follow procurement processes and his failure to align with budgetary expectations have raised serious concerns.”

Meanwhile, the chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, Nureni Akinsanya, pointed to a report from the State Auditor-General that revealed serious financial irregularities under Sulaimon’s leadership.

“The chairman has been non-compliant with financial regulations, and this Assembly will not tolerate such blatant mismanagement of public funds,” Akinsanya added.

Another lawmaker, Ladi Ajomale, expressed his astonishment at Sulaimon’s continued defiance despite previous warnings: “We have received several reports about his financial mismanagement, yet he has shown no willingness to reform.”

The Vice Chairman, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, has been directed to assume control of the council’s affairs effectively from the day of announcement.