Just In: Legislators Reject Suspension Of Alimosho Chairman, Assert Autonomy

In a dramatic turn of events following the suspension of Alimosho Local Government Chairman, Hon. Jelili Sulaimon, by the Obasa-led Lagos State House of Assembly, the legislative arm of Alimosho Local Government has unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the chairman.

During their plenary session, the local councillors dismissed the suspension imposed by the state assembly and reaffirmed their support for the chairman, describing him as an “omoluabi,” a term meaning a person of good character and conduct.

The Lagos Assembly had suspended the chairman on October 7, 2024, citing allegations of misconduct, financial mismanagement, and defiance of legislative orders. However, the Alimosho legislative arm countered this move, asserting that Sulaimon had fulfilled his duties responsibly and in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.

Instead of upholding the suspension, the councillors, led by Hon. Obadina Ahmed suspended the council vice chairman, Hon. Akinpelu Johnson. Johnson was accused of insubordination, failing to account for his activities as chairman of the tender board, and repeatedly ignoring three invitations to appear before the legislative house.

The motion for Johnson’s suspension was raised by Majority Leader Bolaji Yusuf and was unanimously approved by the entire legislative body. Hon. Obadina Ahmed, the leader of the house, officially pronounced the vice chairman’s suspension.

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The legislative members involved in the decision include:

1. Hon. Obadina Ahmed – Leader

2. Hon. Mojisola Fabusuyi Ayeni – Deputy Leader

3. Hon. Omobolaji Yusuf – Majority Leader

4. Hon. Saheed Adegoke – Chief Whip

5. Hon. Rasheed Semiu – Member

6. Hon. Elizabeth Fashina – Member

7. Hon. Fadeyi Samuel – Member

Speaking after the session, Hon. Obadina Ahmed emphasized the importance of local government autonomy as outlined in the 1999 Constitution. He said, “Our decision reaffirms the autonomy of the local government as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. The suspension of a local government official is within the jurisdiction of the local legislative arm, not the state assembly.”

The legislative arm also cited the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on local government autonomy, which clearly defines the authority of local legislative bodies in suspending their officials.

In light of this decision, the office of the council chairman has urged the public to continue their daily activities peacefully, reassuring the public that Hon. Jelili Sulaimon remains in charge of the local government’s affairs.