Jelili Sulaimon, Akinpelu Johnson
By Shade Damiro
The Lagos State Government has directed the Vice Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Mr Akinpelu Johnson, to wait for the governor’s directive over the suspension of the Chairman, Mr. Jelili Sulaimon, by the State Assembly.
Recall that the State House of Assembly had suspended Sulaimon indefinitely. The House took the decision during Monday’s plenary session, after lawmakers voted unanimously to remove Sulaimon over allegations of misconduct and defiance of the House.
The House in a statement published on its website titled ‘Breaking: Lagos Assembly Suspends Alimosho Council Chairman,’ directed the Vice Chairman, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, to assume control of the council’s affairs.
Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sanni Okanlawon, who moved the motion for suspension, reportedly said, “It is evident that Jelili Sulaimon has continuously disregarded this House’s authority and failed to comply with directives, showing blatant misconduct. We cannot stand by and allow such chaos to persist.”
Okanlawon also highlighted the unrest that occurred in the Iyana-Ipaja axis in April 2024, which led to the death of a civilian.
“Following our investigation into the unfortunate pandemonium that broke out, it was clear that Sulaimon masterminded the incident. He has since refused to cooperate with this House’s inquiries,” he added.
Following the decision of the House, the state has issued an appointment letter to the Vice Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, to take over from the suspended chairman.
The letter, dated October 8, 2024, with Ref: MLG/LGA/C.27/S.27/VOL.III/T/23, was signed by Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
The letter, titled: ‘Re: Suspension of Mr. Sulaimon Jelili, Chairman, Alimosho Local Government Area Resolution of the House’, the permanent Secretary cited Section 24A (ii) of the Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law which states “that the resolution of the House of Assembly passed in accordance with sub-section (1) shall be communicated to the Governor for implementation”.
The letter partly read: “Please refer to our previous letter Ref. No.: MLG/LGA/C.27/VOL.III/T/21 dated 8th October 2024 conveying the resolution of the House of Assembly in respect of the above subject, I write to refer you to Section 24A (ii) of the Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law which states “that the resolution of the House of Assembly passed in accordance with sub-section (1) shall be communicated to the Governor for implementation”.
“Sequel to the above, you are to note that the resolution of the House is subject to Mr. Governor’s approval, therefore you are to await further directive of this Office which will be communicated in due course.”
Earlier the Permanent Secretary had in the appointment letter directed the vice chairman to assume duty immediately as the acting chairman of the local government.
The letter read: “I write to refer to the resolution of the House of Assembly in respect of the above subject which states that Mr. Sulaimon Jelili has been suspended indefinitely from Office as the Chairman, Alimosho Local Government in accordance with Section 24 (1,2,3,4) of the Local Government Administration Law (Amendment) Law, 2016. (Copy attached for ease of reference).
“In view of the above, you are to assume duty immediately as the Acting Chairman, Alimosho Local Government.”
