The Lagos State House of Assembly has suspended Mr. Sulaimon Jelili, the Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, indefinitely.
This decision was taken in response to allegations of his non-compliance with legislative directives and an uncooperative attitude towards the Assembly.
During a plenary session held on Monday (today, October 7), the House reached a unanimous agreement through a voice vote, designating the Vice Chairman, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, as the acting head of the council while Jelili remains suspended.
The Assembly has also instructed the council’s management, including both the manager and the treasurer, to recognize and support the Vice Chairman in his new role, ensuring he has the necessary resources to carry out his duties effectively.
This situation has its roots in a chaotic incident that occurred in April 2024 in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Alimosho Local Government, which tragically resulted in the death of Mr. Micheal Ajayi.
Mr. Sanni Okanlawon, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, conducted an investigation into the events leading to this pandemonium and subsequently moved the motion for Jelili’s suspension.
Okanlawon indicated that all relevant stakeholders had been invited to discuss the issues, but Jelili reportedly exhibited misconduct throughout the proceedings, failing to comply with the Assembly’s directives and mismanaging public funds.
He called for Jelili’s immediate suspension in accordance with the pertinent sections of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, stating, “He should be suspended immediately while the vice chairman takes over with immediate effect.”
The Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Noheem Adams, supported the motion for suspension, asserting that it would serve as a warning to other local government chairmen about the importance of adhering to governance standards. He pointed out that the Alimosho council chairman had consistently neglected proper procurement processes in budgeting, and numerous instances of misconduct warranted his indefinite suspension.
Mr. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, added to the discussion by referencing a report from the State Auditor-General that highlighted Jelili’s persistent non-compliance with financial regulations and pointed out significant irregularities in his financial records. Akinsanya strongly backed Okanlawon’s call for suspension based on these findings.
Similarly, Mr. Ladi Ajomale expressed his astonishment at Jelili’s continued defiance despite prior reports that detailed his alleged financial mismanagement. Mr. Sa’ad Olumoh suggested that the Assembly invite Mr. Kolade Alabi and Mr. Rasak Ajala, the chairmen of Bariga LCDA and Odi Olowo LCDA, respectively, to address the broader issue of local council chairmen’s disregard for governance protocols.
The Speaker of the House, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, presided over the session and instructed the Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the Assembly’s resolutions to all relevant authorities, ensuring that the actions taken are formally recorded and enacted.
