Jelili Suleiman, the suspended Chairman of Alimosho Local Government in Lagos, has declared that the Lagos State House of Assembly’s decision to suspend him is both illegal and unconstitutional.
According to a statement released by Suleiman’s lawyer, Dr. Abdul Mahmud, the suspension defies a recent Supreme Court ruling that upholds the autonomy and independence of local governments as outlined in the 1999 Constitution.
In the statement, which was shared in Abuja, the lawyer condemned the actions of the House and its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, for not only suspending Suleiman but also directing his deputy to take over council duties. He argued that the Assembly’s interference encroaches on the constitutional powers of the local government, actions which they plan to contest legally.
Mahmud emphasized, “Local government autonomy is a key aspect of Nigeria’s federal structure, and any move to undermine it contradicts the constitution. The Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Attorney General of the Federation vs. Attorney General of Abia State & 35 Ors (SC/CV/343/2024) clearly supports the idea that local governments have the right to govern their affairs without undue state interference. By suspending Hon. Jelili Suleiman, the Speaker and Lagos State House of Assembly have ignored these constitutional guidelines, overstepping their authority.”
The lawyer also noted that there is a pending lawsuit before the Federal High Court, filed by his client, challenging the Assembly’s power to exert oversight on Alimosho Local Government. He maintained that the Council’s legislative body holds that responsibility, and the House of Assembly’s involvement oversteps its jurisdiction.
Mahmud went further to assert that the Speaker’s actions, while the court case is ongoing, amount to unlawful interference. “The Speaker’s attempts to obstruct the legal process while the matter is still in court reflect a disregard for the rule of law. If government officials flout court orders, it erodes citizens’ trust in the judiciary, potentially leading to anarchy,” he warned.
The lawyer stressed that Suleiman remains resolute, refusing to be intimidated by what he described as the legislative overreach of the House, and called for an immediate reversal of the decision.
The suspension of Suleiman was reportedly finalized during the Assembly’s plenary session on Monday, with lawmakers voting unanimously to remove him over allegations of misconduct. In the meantime, Vice Chairman Akinpelu Johnson has been instructed to take over the council’s leadership.