The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday suspended the Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon, indefinitely, citing alleged misconduct.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was confirmed in a statement issued by Eromosele Ebhomele, spokesperson for the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa.
In a unanimous vote during the plenary, the Assembly also resolved that Akinpelu Johnson, the vice chairman of the council, should take over the administration of the local government. The council’s management, including the manager and treasurer, were directed to recognise Johnson’s authority and provide him with full support to ensure smooth operations.
The decision follows allegations that Sulaimon demonstrated non-compliance, defiance, and an unyielding attitude towards the Assembly. The motion for his suspension was moved by Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs. Okanlawon referenced a report from April 2024, when a disturbance in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Alimosho resulted in the death of one Micheal Ajayi. The committee’s investigation revealed that Sulaimon was allegedly involved in orchestrating the chaos.
Okanlawon noted that despite multiple invitations, Sulaimon continued to exhibit misconduct towards the Assembly’s committee and failed to comply with its directives. The committee also raised concerns over his mismanagement of public funds.
Supporting the motion, Majority Leader Noheem Adams said the suspension would serve as a warning to other local government chairmen. He added that Sulaimon had not adhered to proper procurement procedures or the budget, further justifying the need for the action.
Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, cited a report from the State Auditor-General detailing financial irregularities and Sulaimon’s repeated non-compliance with financial regulations.
Presiding over the sitting, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the relevant authorities.