In a sudden move, the Lagos Assembly has suspended a local government chairman amidst accusations of misconduct. More information on the incident is anticipated.
The chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon, has been indefinitely suspended by the Lagos State House of Assembly with immediate effect.
In a plenary session, lawmakers voted unanimously to remove Sulaimon from office due to allegations of non-compliance, defiance, and misconduct.
Following this decision, the Assembly instructed Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, the council’s vice chairman, to take charge of its operations.
Furthermore, the council’s leadership team, consisting of its manager and treasurer, was directed to provide complete support for Johnson in his new role.
Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, proposed the motion for Sulaimon’s suspension.
Okanlawon remembered that in April 2024, turmoil broke out in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Alimosho, leading to the death of a man named Michael Ajayi. An investigation conducted by Okanlawon’s committee uncovered allegations linking Sulaimon to the disturbance.
To exacerbate the problem, Sulaimon allegedly declined to cooperate with the Assembly’s investigation, disregarded directives, and was accused of mismanaging public funds. In light of these violations, Okanlawon urged for Sulaimon’s suspension pursuant to relevant sections of the amended 1999 Constitution.
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He earnestly wished for an immediate suspension, allowing the vice chairman, Akin Johnson, to take over right away.
House Majority Leader Noheem Adams, in backing the call for suspension, noted that this measure would encourage other local government chairmen to conduct themselves appropriately.
He stated, “The chairman of the Alimosho council fails to adhere to procurement procedures or the budget. There have been numerous instances of misconduct on his part, and I support an indefinite suspension for him.”
In his statement, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, referenced the report from the Auditor-General regarding Sulaimon’s activities. The report highlighted that the council chairman consistently failed to comply with financial regulations and had significant irregularities in his records.
Akinsanya, highlighting these discrepancies, supported Okanlawon’s call for suspension.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who led the session, instructed Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, the Clerk of the House, to inform all relevant authorities about the Assembly’s resolution.
