Lagos Assembly Defends Suspension of Alimosho Council Chairman
The Lagos State House of Assembly has defended its decision to suspend Alimosho Local Government Chairman, Mr. Jelili Sulaimon, amidst criticism from various quarters. The Assembly cited relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution and state laws that grant it the authority to suspend local government officials in cases of misconduct or non-compliance with legal provisions.
In a statement released by the Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Information Strategy and Security, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, the Assembly referenced Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees the existence of democratically elected local government councils. This section also grants the government of each state the power to ensure the structure, composition, and administration of these councils under state law.
Hon. Ogundipe further quoted Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the House of Assembly to conduct inquiries and investigations into matters within its legislative powers. This includes taking action against local government officials when necessary.
“Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a House of Assembly shall have the power by resolution to direct or cause an inquiry or investigation into any matter with respect to which it has power to make laws,” Ogundipe said, underscoring the Assembly’s legal basis for the suspension.
The Assembly also pointed to the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law (as amended), which explicitly provides the legislative body with the authority to suspend or remove any local government chairman, vice chairman, or official after an investigation. Section 24(a) of this law was invoked in the case of Mr. Sulaimon, marking the second time he has faced suspension—the first being in May 2021.
The Assembly’s decision to suspend the Alimosho chairman followed an investigation, although the specific details of the inquiry have yet to be disclosed.
Despite criticisms from some members of the public, the Lagos State House of Assembly maintains that its actions are in line with constitutional and legal provisions designed to ensure accountability and transparency in local governance.
