Breaking News: Lagos Assembly Suspended Me for Refusing to Hand Over Iyana-Ipaja Market” – Alimosho Chairman Jelili Alleges, Declares Suspension Null and Void
...."We have the power to suspend you", Lagos State House of Assembly Tells Alimosho Chairman
In a heated press conference at the Alimosho Local Government Secretariat, Hon. Jelili Sulaimon, the embattled Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, has addressed the media and his supporters regarding his alleged suspension by the Lagos State House of Assembly. The suspension, according to the Assembly, was due to what they termed as non-compliance, defiance, and an unyielding attitude towards the directives of the legislative body.
The House of Assembly, led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, had directed that the Vice Chairman of Alimosho, Mr. Akintunde Olabode, take over the leadership of the council pending further directives. However, Hon. Sulaimon vehemently refuted the Assembly’s decision, dismissing his suspension as mere “social media talk,” stating that he has not received any official communication in that regard.
“Suspension is Illegal and Unconstitutional” – Hon. Sulaimon Declares
While speaking to the press, Hon. Sulaimon alleged that his suspension was influenced by his refusal to hand over control of the Iyana-Ipaja Market to a contractor favoured by the Lagos State House of Assembly, one Mr. Abiodun Ejigbadero. The Chairman disclosed that the Assembly, under the guise of investigating his administration, demanded that the market and adjoining land, spanning from Iyana-Ipaja to Idimu, be ceded to Mr. Ejigbadero. He claimed to have documentary evidence to substantiate his accusations.
“I will not be bullied into surrendering what rightly belongs to the people of Alimosho. The Assembly’s attempt to suspend me is a desperate move because I refused to bow to their pressure,” Hon. Sulaimon declared.
He further argued that, according to the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended), only the elected councillors of a local government council possess the power to remove or suspend a sitting chairman. Thus, he described the Assembly’s action as null and void.
Lagos Assembly Reaffirms Suspension, Cites Legal Backing
In a swift response, the Lagos State House of Assembly reaffirmed Hon. Sulaimon’s suspension, citing the Lagos State Local Government Law. The Assembly referenced Section 24(a) of the amended law, which empowers the House to pass a resolution for the removal or suspension of any chairman, vice chairman, or official of any Local Government Area (LGA) or Local Council Development Area (LCDA) after conducting an investigation. According to the law, only a simple majority of the Assembly members is required to pass such a resolution.
The Assembly insisted that its actions were within the bounds of the law and urged the Chairman to comply with the directive. They maintained that Hon. Sulaimon’s alleged non-compliance and defiance of legislative orders warranted his suspension.
Political Tensions Escalate in Alimosho
The controversy surrounding the Iyana-Ipaja Market has escalated political tensions within the Alimosho community. Supporters of Hon. Sulaimon have vowed to resist any attempt to remove him from office, describing the move as an attack on the will of the people. On the other hand, proponents of the suspension argue that the Chairman’s alleged defiance of the Assembly’s directives is unacceptable and undermines the authority of the legislative arm.
The unfolding drama has set the stage for a protracted legal and political tussle that could redefine the balance of power between local government administrations and the State Assembly in Lagos.
For now, the residents of Alimosho are left to wonder how this high-stakes confrontation will be resolved and what impact it will have on the governance and development of their local community.
Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new developments unfold.