Lagos Assembly Imposes Indefinite Suspension On Alimosho Council Chairman

The Lagos State House of Assembly has imposed an indefinite suspension on the chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon, effective immediately, Naija News reports.

This decision was announced on Monday through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Eromosele Ebhomele.

During the plenary session, lawmakers resolved that the council’s vice chairman, Akinpelu Johnson, should take over its administration. Additionally, the House directed the council’s management, including the treasurer and manager, to recognize Johnson’s authority and provide him with the necessary support.

The suspension was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers, stemming from allegations of non-compliance, defiance, and an uncooperative attitude towards the legislative body.

Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, moved the motion for suspension, recalling an incident in April 2024, where unrest in Iyana-Ipaja, Alimosho, led to the death of one Mr. Micheal Ajayi.

Okanlawon’s committee, tasked with investigating the matter, discovered that Jelili was at the center of the chaos. Despite repeated invitations to discuss the issue, Jelili reportedly exhibited misconduct toward the House’s investigative committee.

Okanlawon further cited Jelili’s failure to follow the Assembly’s directives and his alleged mismanagement of public funds, recommending his immediate suspension under relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Supporting the motion, Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, stated that Jelili’s suspension would serve as a warning to other local government chairmen, emphasizing that Jelili had ignored procurement processes and budgetary protocols, leading to numerous irregularities.

Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, referenced a report from the State Auditor-General, highlighting Jelili’s continued disregard for financial regulations. He echoed the call for suspension.

Hon. Ladi Ajomale and Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh also expressed concern over Jelili’s financial mismanagement and defiance, with Olumoh requesting that the House summon Kolade Alabi and Rasak Ajala, the chairmen of Bariga LCDA and Odi Olowo LCDA, respectively, to explain the wider issue of local council heads disregarding governance protocols.

In conclusion, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the session, instructed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to formally communicate the Assembly’s resolution to all concerned authorities.