Alimosho Tensions Rise as Council Boss Defies Suspension

A political crisis has erupted in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos, following the suspension of Chairman Jelili Sulaimon by the Lagos State House of Assembly. The vice chairman, Akinpelu Johnson, has received an official letter to take over from Sulaimon, but the embattled chairman has defied the suspension order and attempted to resume duties.

The Lagos State House of Assembly suspended Sulaimon due to multiple allegations, invoking the provisions of the Local Government Administration Law (Amendment) Law, 2016. Despite this, Sulaimon returned to the council premises to a rousing reception from his supporters, showing defiance toward the House’s resolution.

Appointment of Acting Chairman: Akinpelu Johnson Takes Charge

Following the suspension, Akinpelu Johnson, the vice chairman, was appointed acting chairman of Alimosho. A letter dated October 8, 2024, signed by Kikelomo Bolarinwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, directed Johnson to assume duty immediately.

The appointment was based on a resolution passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly, which called for Johnson to take over administrative duties from Sulaimon. The House also instructed council management, including the manager and treasurer, to recognize Johnson as the acting chairman.

Dispute Among Council Members

Tensions escalated as four out of seven councilors in Alimosho rejected the suspension of Johnson, which had been initiated by three other council members loyal to Sulaimon. The four councilors, including Deputy Leader Mojisola Fabusuyi Ayeni, Saheed Adejoke, Rasheed Semiu, and Elizabeth Fashina, released a joint statement condemning the “illegal suspension” of Johnson and commending the Lagos State House of Assembly for intervening.

The statement emphasized that the suspension of the vice chairman was baseless and expressed confidence that Johnson would lead the council effectively. The councilors urged stakeholders to maintain peace, asserting their support for the House of Assembly’s resolution.

Council Boss Sulaimon Defies Suspension

Despite the suspension, Sulaimon attempted to return to the council secretariat, where he was met with cheers from a crowd of supporters. However, both Sulaimon and Johnson were denied access to the chairman’s office, which had been locked. Eventually, the two left the premises without further incident.

Sulaimon’s defiance has deepened the leadership crisis in Alimosho, with questions arising about the legality of his suspension and the authority of the House of Assembly. His legal team has criticized the Assembly’s actions, calling the suspension “illegal and unconstitutional.”

Reactions from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Leadership

Abdullahi Ayinde Enilolobo, a prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho, has also weighed in on the situation. He criticized the Lagos State House of Assembly for breaching the constitution, insisting that the suspension of Sulaimon could not stand.

However, the Lagos State House of Assembly defended its actions. According to Olukayode Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, the suspension followed due process as outlined by the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law (as amended). He noted that the Assembly acted within its constitutional powers to ensure accountability and maintain order.

Lagos Assembly Defends Suspension of Sulaimon

In response to criticisms from Sulaimon’s lawyer, Dr. Abdul Mahmud, the Lagos State House of Assembly issued a detailed statement explaining the legal basis for the suspension. Ogundipe stressed that the Assembly’s authority to suspend or remove local government officials is rooted in Section 24(a) of the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law and Sections 7, 8, and 128 of the 1999 Constitution.

He dismissed Mahmud’s claims, asserting that the suspension was constitutional and part of the Assembly’s role in ensuring the proper administration of local governments. Ogundipe also noted that this was not the first time Sulaimon had been suspended, citing a previous suspension in 2021 due to violations of local government guidelines.

The House of Assembly called on the residents of Alimosho to remain calm and not be swayed by misinformation. The Assembly reiterated its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that local government officials are held accountable for their actions.

Social Media Reactions

1. @AdebayoSays: “Sulaimon’s defiance shows the lack of respect for authority in this country!”
2. @TitiTalksPolitics: “The Lagos Assembly has done well. We need leaders who obey the law.”
3. @NaijaPundit: “Alimosho deserves better leadership, not this power struggle.”
4. @TosinReports: “The suspension was long overdue. Let Johnson take over!”
5. @MosesPolitics: “Sulaimon trying to hold on to power despite the suspension is shameful.”
6. @BolajiLaw: “Defiance of legal orders only creates chaos. Alimosho deserves peace.”
7. @FemiWrites: “Kudos to the Lagos Assembly for standing firm on Sulaimon’s suspension.”
8. @NgoziVoice: “This is typical Nigerian politics. Who will suffer? The people of Alimosho.”
9. @AmakaObserver: “Sulaimon’s supporters may be loyal, but the law is the law.”
10. @PoliticsNaija: “This crisis needs to end quickly. Alimosho needs proper governance.”
11. @LagosEye: “The council office locked? This sounds like a political thriller!”
12. @JournalistNG: “We need more accountability from local government leaders.”
13. @ObiLegalMind: “The legal battles will be interesting to watch, but Lagos Assembly is right.”
14. @StreetVoiceLagos: “The people must be prioritized, not personal power games.