The embattled Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Council, Jelili Sulaimon, has notified the Lagos Government that his suspension by the State Assembly is sub judice and should not be carried out.
In a statement issued by his lawyer, Dr Abdul Mahmud, Levite Solicitors and Arbitrators, he urged the state to adhere to due process and respect the judiciary.
In the statement made available to newsmen by the lawyer on Thursday in Abuja, he contended that there is a pending case on the issue before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“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 Sulaimon, 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”.
He advised the Permanent Secretary to desist from any further action concerning the purported suspension of Sulaimon.
“We trust that, as a public officer committed to upholding the rule of law, she will allow the Federal High Court to determine the constitutional issues raised in the suit without interference.
“This statement serves as a formal notice requesting adherence to due process and respect for the judiciary,” he said.
The Lagos state House of Assembly on Monday suspended the embattled Council Chairman, indefinitely
The decision, which was reportedly reached during Monday’s plenary session, came after lawmakers voted unanimously to remove Sulaimon over allegations of misconduct and defiance of the legislative House.
The Vice Chairman of the Council, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, was directed to assume control of the council’s affairs.(NAN)
