The Lagos State House of Assembly, during its Monday plenary, announced the indefinite suspension of Jelili Sulaimon, Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, effective immediately.
The lawmakers appointed the Vice Chairman, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, to oversee the council’s affairs during this period.
The Assembly further directed the council’s management, including the manager and treasurer, to recognize and fully support the authority of the new acting chairman.
The suspension was unanimously approved by the lawmakers following allegations of non-compliance and defiance toward the Assembly. The motion for suspension was initiated by Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Okanlawon recounted an incident in April 2024, when a violent outbreak in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Alimosho led to the death of a resident, Mr. Michael Ajayi. His committee’s investigation allegedly linked Sulaimon to the unrest.
Despite repeated invitations and directives from the House, Okanlawon stated that Sulaimon continued to exhibit misconduct, failed to adhere to legislative instructions, and mismanaged public resources. Citing sections of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Okanlawon moved for Sulaimon’s immediate suspension and proposed that Vice Chairman Johnson take over the council’s leadership.
Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, backed the motion, noting that Sulaimon’s failure to follow procurement procedures and budgetary guidelines set a poor example. He emphasized that this decisive action should serve as a warning to other local government chairmen.
Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Governments, also lent his support, referencing a report from the State Auditor-General that detailed significant financial irregularities and Sulaimon’s consistent disregard for regulations.
Hon. Ladi Ajomale and Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh added their voices to the call for suspension, expressing concern over Sulaimon’s continued defiance despite multiple warnings.
Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the session, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to formally notify all relevant authorities of the Assembly’s decision.
Additionally, the Speaker called for the chairmen of Bariga LCDA and Odi-Olowo LCDA, Mr. Kolade Alabi and Mr. Rasak Ajala, to explain the widespread disregard for governance protocols among council chairmen.
