The Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) has indefinitely suspended Jelili Sulaimon, chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area, over allegations of misconduct, financial mismanagement, and defiance of legislative directives.
The suspension, which takes effect immediately, was unanimously approved during a plenary session on Monday.
The Assembly directed the vice chairman of the council, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, to take over the leadership of Alimosho Local Government.
The council’s management, including its treasurer and manager, were also instructed to cooperate with Johnson to ensure the effective administration of the local government.
The suspension followed a motion by Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, who recalled the chaos that erupted in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Alimosho in April 2024, which resulted in the death of one Michael Ajayi. Okanlawon alleged that Jelili Sulaimon had a hand in masterminding the unrest and failed to comply with the committee’s investigation into the incident.
Okanlawon highlighted the chairman’s repeated acts of misconduct, including his refusal to adhere to the Assembly’s directives and his mismanagement of public funds, calling for his immediate suspension in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.
“The chairman does not follow procurement processes or adhere to the budget. His actions are a disregard for governance, and this suspension should serve as a lesson to other council chairmen,” said Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams, who supported the motion.
Further backing the suspension, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, cited a report from the State Auditor-General that underscored Sulaimon’s non-compliance with financial regulations and irregularities in his records.
Hon. Ladi Ajomale and Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh expressed their concern over the persistent financial mismanagement and misconduct within local councils. Sa’ad Olumoh, while echoing his concerns, also prayed the House to invite Mr. Kolade Alabi and Mr. Rasak Ajala, chairmen of Bariga Local Council Development Area, LCDA and Odi Olowo LCDA respectively, as heads of the Conference 57, to explain the widespread disregard by council chairmen for governance protocols.
The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the sitting, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to all relevant authorities.
