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| Jelili Sulaimon - Alimosho LG Chairman |
In a decision to uphold accountability, in government circles the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken the bold step of suspending Jelili Sulaimon, who serves as the chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area. This immediate suspension marks a move, towards addressing issues surrounding governance and the behavior of public officials demonstrating an increasing dedication to ensuring that local leaders maintain the expected standards set by their community.
The lawmakers made their decision in a meeting where they all agreed to remove Sulaimon due, to accusations of not following the rules and behaving improperly at the core of this choice lies a worrying pattern of actions that have cast doubt on Sulaimons leadership qualities and honesty The Assemblys move follows a troubling incident in April 2024 when chaos broke out in the IYana IpaJa region leading to the tragic passing of a man named Michael Ajay This situation triggered an inquiry led by Hon. Chairman of the House Committee, on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs is Sanni Okanlawon.
Okanlawon committee discovered that Sulaimon was allegedly involved in the unrest and did not cooperate with the Assemblys investigation which raised concerns, about transparency and the integrity of the council and also posed risks to the community safety and welfare.Sulaimon was repeatedly disobedient to directives. Had a track record of mishandling funds as highlighted by Okanlawon during the session leading to a proposal, for his suspension based on specific sections of the updated 1999 Constitution.
The lawmakers did not take this decision lightly. Hon. Okanlawon’s motion for suspension was met with widespread support. The Assembly’s Majority Leader, Noheem Adams, reinforced the necessity of this action, stating that it sends a clear message to other local government chairmen about the importance of adhering to regulations and ethical conduct. He expressed concerns over Sulaimon's failure to follow procurement processes or abide by budgetary constraints, emphasizing that his misconduct has not only affected the council's operations but also eroded public trust.
The Assembly has taken steps to ensure continuity in governance during this transition. Akinpelu Johnson, the vice chairman, has been appointed to assume control of the council's operations. This move aims to restore stability and demonstrate that the local government can operate effectively while upholding accountability. Johnson has been instructed to work closely with the council’s manager and treasurer to navigate this period, ensuring that the council continues to serve the community’s needs without disruption.
In a further commitment to transparency, the Assembly is taking steps to closely monitor the council’s operations during this transition. Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, referenced a report from the Auditor-General that detailed Sulaimon's ongoing non-compliance with financial regulations. These significant irregularities in his records underscore the necessity of maintaining strict oversight to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.
As this situation unfolds, it raises larger questions about governance in Lagos and the standards to which local officials are held. Will this suspension prompt a shift in how local government operates? Will it inspire other officials to adopt a more transparent and accountable approach to their responsibilities? It remains to be seen how the political landscape will evolve in response to this significant action.
This pause marks a juncture, for the Lagos State House of Assembly as they grapple with the complexities of governance. It underscores the significance of ensuring that leaders are held responsible for their conduct and choices at a moment when public faith in bodies is paramount. Looking ahead it is imperative for municipal administrations to give precedence to openness, behavior and involvement with the community to nurture a bond, with the people they represent.