The Lagos State House of Assembly has announced the indefinite suspension of Jelili Sulaimon, Chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area, with immediate effect. The decision was made during Monday’s plenary session after a unanimous vote by lawmakers to remove Sulaimon from office due to allegations of misconduct and defiance of the Assembly’s directives.
The Assembly confirmed the suspension in a statement titled “Breaking: Lagos Assembly Suspends Alimosho Council Chairman,” posted on its website on October 7, 2024. According to the statement, the Vice Chairman, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, has been instructed to assume leadership of the council’s operations immediately.
The motion for Sulaimon’s suspension was moved by the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sanni Okanlawon. He emphasized that Sulaimon had persistently disobeyed the Assembly’s authority and failed to adhere to its directives, demonstrating clear misconduct. Okanlawon stated, “Jelili Sulaimon has consistently undermined the authority of this House and disregarded its instructions, creating an untenable situation. We cannot afford to let such disorder continue.”
Okanlawon further cited the unrest in the Iyana-Ipaja area in April 2024, which tragically resulted in a civilian’s death, as part of the evidence of Sulaimon’s poor leadership. Majority Leader Noheem Adams, supporting the suspension, added that it should serve as a message to other local government chairmen: “This decision is a warning to other council leaders that they must adhere to due process and respect the rule of law.”
Additionally, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, Nureni Akinsanya, presented a report from the State Auditor-General, revealing significant financial irregularities during Sulaimon’s tenure. Lawmaker Ladi Ajomale also expressed his disappointment over Sulaimon’s ongoing defiance despite prior warnings: “There have been numerous reports of financial mismanagement, yet he has shown no intention of correcting these issues.”
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, who led the session, instructed the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, to officially communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the appropriate authorities. “This decision is critical, and all stakeholders must recognize the gravity of the situation. The law must be respected,” Obasa stated.
With Sulaimon’s suspension in effect, Johnson has been given full authority to oversee the council’s operations, backed by the Assembly’s support.
