The Lagos State House of Assembly has taken decisive action by indefinitely suspending Jelili Sulaimon, the chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area, due to multiple allegations of misconduct. This decision was made during a parliamentary sitting on Monday, where the assembly resolved that the vice chairman, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, would assume control of the local government’s operations effective immediately.
The suspension was rooted in several grievances raised by assembly members, with Sanni Okanlawon, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, leading the charge. He cited relevant sections of the amended 1999 Constitution to advocate for Sulaimon’s immediate suspension. Okanlawon expressed his concerns, stating, “He should be suspended immediately while the vice chairman, Akin Johnson, takes over with immediate effect.”
The assembly’s Majority Leader, Noheem Adams, supported the suspension, arguing that such a move would serve as a warning to other local government chairmen about the importance of adhering to governance protocols. Adams highlighted issues regarding Sulaimon’s failure to follow proper procurement processes and budgetary regulations, describing a pattern of misconduct that warranted the suspension.
Further backing the suspension, Nureni Akinsanya, who chairs the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, referenced a report from the State Auditor-General that detailed serious financial irregularities linked to Sulaimon’s administration. He noted the chairman’s persistent non-compliance with financial regulations, echoing Okanlawon’s call for accountability. Akinsanya emphasized, “The discrepancies in his records are alarming and should not go unaddressed.”
Ladi Ajomale, another assembly member, expressed astonishment at Sulaimon’s continued defiance, particularly in light of prior reports highlighting his alleged financial mismanagement. Meanwhile, Sa’ad Olumoh suggested inviting Kolade Alabi and Rasak Ajala, the chairmen of the Bariga Local Council Development Area and Odi Olowo LCDA, respectively, to discuss the widespread disregard for governance protocols among council chairmen.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the session, instructed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to formally communicate the Assembly’s resolution to all pertinent authorities, ensuring that the decision is acted upon swiftly.
The motion for Sulaimon’s suspension also referenced a violent incident in April 2024 in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Alimosho, which resulted in the death of a local resident, Mr. Micheal Ajayi. Okanlawon, whose committee investigated this chaos, accused Sulaimon of being the mastermind behind the disturbance. He reported that despite inviting stakeholders to address the situation, Sulaimon exhibited continued misconduct and a blatant disregard for the committee’s efforts.
This suspension marks a significant development in the ongoing effort by the Lagos State House of Assembly to uphold governance standards and ensure accountability among local government officials. The assembly’s unanimous decision reflects a commitment to addressing misconduct and fostering transparency within local governance structures. With Akinpelu Johnson now at the helm, the Alimosho Local Government Area will be closely monitored to ensure adherence to proper governance protocols and the effective management of public resources.
