Babatunji Wusu –
- Indefinite Suspension: Jelili Sulaimon, Alimosho Local Government chairman, suspended indefinitely by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
- Interim Leadership: Vice chairman Akinpelu Johnson appointed to manage council affairs.
- Reasons for Action: Alleged non-compliance, defiance, and mismanagement of public funds cited as grounds for suspension.
- Supporting Voices: Multiple lawmakers supported the suspension, referencing financial irregularities and governance failures.
- Next Steps: The Speaker directed communication of the resolution to relevant authorities.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has announced the indefinite suspension of Jelili Sulaimon, the chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, effective immediately. This decision was disclosed in a statement by Eromosele Ebhomele, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Assembly, on Monday.
During a plenary session, the lawmakers appointed the vice chairman, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, to oversee the council’s affairs during this suspension. They also instructed the council’s management, including the manager and treasurer, to acknowledge the vice chairman’s authority and provide him with the necessary support for effective governance.
Reasons for Suspension
The suspension followed a unanimous vote by the lawmakers, citing Sulaimon’s alleged non-compliance and defiance towards the legislative body. Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, moved the motion for suspension. He recalled an incident in April 2024, during which chaos erupted in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Alimosho, resulting in the death of Mr. Micheal Ajayi. Okanlawon’s committee, tasked with investigating the incident, concluded that Sulaimon had played a pivotal role in instigating the unrest.
Despite invitations to stakeholders, Sulaimon reportedly displayed misconduct towards the committee, failing to comply with the Assembly’s directives and mismanaging public funds. Okanlawon argued for his immediate suspension in accordance with relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution.
Supporting Statements from Lawmakers
Majority Leader Noheem Adams supported the suspension, stating it would encourage other local government chairmen to adhere to proper protocols. He noted Sulaimon’s disregard for procurement processes and budgeting, citing multiple instances of misconduct.
Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, referred to a report from the State Auditor-General that highlighted Sulaimon’s persistent non-compliance with financial regulations and significant irregularities in his financial records. Akinsanya endorsed Okanlawon’s motion for suspension.
Similarly, Hon. Ladi Ajomale expressed astonishment at Sulaimon’s continued defiance, despite prior reports outlining his alleged financial mismanagement. Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh also called for the invitation of Mr. Kolade Alabi and Mr. Rasak Ajala, chairmen of Bariga LCDA and Odi Olowo LCDA, respectively, to address the broader issue of local government chairmen’s disregard for governance protocols.
Next Steps
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, presiding over the session, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to all relevant authorities.
