The Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, placed an indefinite suspension on the chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon, with immediate effect.
The Assembly made this decision during a plenary session, directing the vice chairman, Akinpelu Johnson, to immediately assume control of the council’s operations.
The legislators also instructed the council’s management, including the manager and treasurer, to fully recognise Johnson’s authority and provide him with all necessary support to ensure smooth administration.
Sulaimon’s suspension follows a unanimous vote in the House, citing his alleged failure to comply with legislative directives, as well as his continued misconduct.
The motion for suspension was moved by Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Okanlawon pointed to the chaos that erupted in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Alimosho in April 2024, resulting in the death of one Michael Ajayi, for which Sulaimon was accused of being the instigator.
Okanlawon remarked that the committee responsible for investigating the unrest had invited all stakeholders involved, but Sulaimon had persistently demonstrated defiance and uncooperative behavior toward the Assembly.
“He has disregarded our directives, mismanaged public funds, and failed to adhere to due process. I, therefore, call for his immediate suspension, in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” Okanlawon stated.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, threw his weight behind the suspension, noting that Sulaimon’s actions set a bad precedent for other local government leaders.
“The Alimosho council chairman has failed to follow procurement procedures or the approved budget. His misconduct has become a pattern, and I fully support his indefinite suspension,” Adams added.
Similarly, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, referenced a report from the State Auditor-General, which revealed significant discrepancies in Sulaimon’s financial records.
He echoed the call for suspension, underscoring the chairman’s repeated non-compliance with financial regulations.
Hon. Ladi Ajomale also expressed his dismay at Sulaimon’s disregard for multiple warnings on his mismanagement, while Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh urged the House to summon Bariga LCDA Chairman Kolade Alabi and Odi Olowo LCDA Chairman Rasak Ajala, as leaders of the Conference 57, to address the widespread neglect of governance protocols among council chairmen.
Presiding over the session, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to formally communicate the Assembly’s resolution to all concerned authorities.
