News

BREAKING: Lagos Assembly Suspends Alimosho LG Chairman Over Misconduct

Published

1 month ago

Oct 7, 2024.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has indefinitely suspended the chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon, with immediate effect.

The suspension was announced in a statement on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Eromosele Ebhomele.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that during a plenary session, the lawmakers unanimously resolved that the vice chairman, Akinpelu Johnson, should assume leadership of the council. The council’s management, including the manager and treasurer, were instructed to recognize Johnson’s authority and provide him with the necessary support to carry out his duties effectively.

Jelili’s suspension was prompted by allegations of non-compliance, defiance, and misconduct toward the legislative body. The Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, moved the motion, recalling an April 2024 incident in Iyana-Ipaja that resulted in the death of one Michael Ajayi.

Okanlawon, who led the investigation into the chaos, revealed that Jelili was found to have instigated the disorder. Despite repeated invitations to the Assembly, Jelili reportedly showed continued disregard for the committee and its directives. Additionally, he was accused of mismanaging public funds and failing to adhere to proper procurement processes.

Lagos Assembly Alimosho LG Chairman

Citing Jelili’s blatant disregard for governance protocols and financial regulations, Okanlawon called for his immediate suspension in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended). “He should be suspended immediately while the vice chairman, Akin Johnson, takes over,” he stated.

Supporting the motion, Majority Leader Noheem Adams added that the action would serve as a warning to other local government chairmen. “The Alimosho council chairman has failed to follow procurement processes or the budget, and his misconduct has been ongoing. I support the indefinite suspension,” Adams said.

Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, referred to a report by the State Auditor-General, which highlighted financial irregularities in Jelili’s administration. Akinsanya, along with other lawmakers, backed the call for suspension due to these discrepancies.

Hon. Ladi Ajomale expressed surprise at Jelili’s continued defiance despite prior warnings, while Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh urged the House to summon Bariga LCDA Chairman Kolade Alabi and Odi Olowo LCDA Chairman Rasak Ajala, as leaders of Conference 57, to address the disregard for governance protocols by council chairmen.

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the session, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the appropriate authorities.