The Lagos State House of Assembly has indefinitely suspended Jelili Sulaimon, Chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area, over allegations of misconduct.
The suspension was announced during the Assembly's plenary session on Monday, October 7. Lawmakers directed that the council's vice-chairman, Akinpelu Johnson, should immediately assume leadership.
The motion for suspension was moved by Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs. Okanlawon recalled an incident in April 2024, where unrest in the Iyana-Ipaja area led to the death of one Mr. Micheal Ajayi. Following an investigation by his committee, it was revealed that Jelili played a role in orchestrating the chaos.
Okanlawon also cited Jelili’s repeated acts of misconduct, including defying Assembly directives and mismanaging public funds. "He should be suspended immediately while the vice chairman takes over," Okanlawon stated, referencing relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Majority Leader Noheem Adams voiced his support for the suspension, emphasizing that such actions would serve as a warning to other local government chairmen. “The Alimosho council chairman does not follow procurement processes or the budget. His misconduct warrants indefinite suspension,” Adams said.
Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, pointed to a report from the State Auditor-General, which highlighted Jelili's financial mismanagement and lack of compliance with regulations. This report bolstered the case for his removal.
Ladi Ajomale also expressed frustration with Jelili’s ongoing financial irregularities, despite previous warnings. Similarly, Sa’ad Olumoh called on the Assembly to summon Kolade Alabi and Rasak Ajala, chairmen of Bariga LCDA and Odi Olowo LCDA, respectively, to explain the broader disregard for governance protocols by council leaders.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the session, instructed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to officially notify all relevant authorities of the Assembly’s resolution.
