By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE LAGOS State House of Assembly has emphasized the importance of law over emotions in legislative matters, addressing reactions to the suspension of Alimosho Local Government Chairman, Jelili Sulaimon.
The House, responding to statements made by Sulaimon’s lawyer, Dr. Abdul Mahmud, reminded both parties that local government laws must guide their actions, not sentiments.
On Monday, the Assembly suspended Sulaimon over alleged misconduct.
His lawyer criticized the decision, calling it unlawful.
In response, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, explained that the suspension was legally sound, backed by both the 1999 Constitution and Lagos State’s Local Government Administration Law.
Ogundipe noted that Section 24 of the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law (amended) empowers the Assembly to suspend or remove council officials following an investigation.
This provision requires only a simple majority vote, which the House secured before suspending Sulaimon.
The Assembly emphasized that the laws governing local governments in Lagos, including the creation, structure, and financial management, derive from the authority of the House.
The lawmakers stressed that no local government operates independently of these legal frameworks, further criticizing the claim that the suspension breached Sulaimon’s rights.
The Assembly also addressed a recent move by councillors loyal to Sulaimon, who hastily suspended Vice Chairman Akinpelu Johnson in a bid to protect Sulaimon.
According to Ogundipe, the suspension of Johnson is unlawful since the Local Government Administration Law does not empower councillors to suspend the vice chairman.
The Assembly warned that any council leader who attempts to circumvent the law risks removal.
The House noted that this is not Sulaimon’s first suspension.
In 2021, he faced similar action for disregarding local government guidelines.
Deputy Chairman Assumes Actiong Position
Meanwhile, Johnson has officially assumed the role of acting chairman following Sulaimon’s suspension.
The Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development confirmed Johnson’s appointment in a letter dated October 8, 2024.
In response, four councillors denounced the illegal suspension of Johnson by their colleagues.
In a statement, they expressed support for the Assembly’s decision and urged stakeholders to maintain peace, vowing to continue supporting the administration’s efforts.
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