The Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Council, Jelili Sulaiman, has challenged his suspension by the Lagos State House of Assembly, citing subjudice.
Sulaiman’s lawyer, Dr. Abdul Mahmud, has written to the Lagos Government, urging it to respect the judiciary and adhere to due process.
In a statement on thursday, he said that a pending case before the Federal High Court in Abuja, “Jelili Sulaimon & Anor v Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly & 5 Others,” is the basis for Sulaiman’s challenge, according to Daily Post.
Mahmud argues that implementing the suspension would violate the rule of law and infringe on the ongoing judicial process.
The Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftancy Affairs and Rural Development had directed the Vice Chairman to assume office as Acting Chairman. However, Sulaiman’s lawyer has advised the Permanent Secretary to desist from any further action concerning the suspension.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions between the Lagos State Government and local government council chairmen. The Lagos State Judiciary is expected to play a crucial role in resolving the dispute. The outcome of the case will have implications for the state’s local government administration and the rule of law.
“We write to draw the attention of the general public to the letter, written by Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftancy Affairs and Rural Development, Lagos State, dated 8th October, 2024.
“The letter, addressed to Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, Vice Chairman, Alimosho Local Government Area, directed him to assume office as Acting Chairman pursuant to the unconstitutional resolution of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“We note that the Permanent Secretary also issued a subsequent letter on the same day instructing Mr. Johnson to await further directive from the Executive Governor of Lagos State,” he said.
The lawyer added: “We wish to respectfully remind the Permanent Secretary that the purported suspension of our client, Mr. Jelili Sulaiman, and all actions related thereto are subjudice.
“The matter is currently pending before the Federal High Court in; Jelili Sulaimon & Anor v Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly & 5 Others.
“Therefore, any further action regarding the implementation of the unconstitutional resolution would be in violation of the rule of law and an infringement on the ongoing judicial process”.
