By ireti Asemota.
The Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Legislative Council in Ogun State has lifted the suspension earlier placed on its Executive Chairman, Alhaji Wasiu Lawal, following the intervention of the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and other senior members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development came after the chairman fulfilled one of the councillors’ major demands by presenting the income and expenditure account of the council.
Suspension Lifted in the Interest of Peace and Progress
During the council’s plenary session on Friday, the Leader of the House, Mutairu Gbadamosi, announced that the decision to reinstate Lawal was made to promote peace, stability, and progress within the local government.
In a statement released on Saturday, Gbadamosi noted that the earlier suspension of the chairman was in line with the council’s constitutional powers and oversight duties on issues related to transparency, accountability, and proper administrative conduct.
“In exercising our constitutional responsibilities and oversight functions, this Honourable House suspended the Executive Chairman, Alhaji Wasiu Lawal Adewale, over matters concerning transparency, accountability, and administrative management,” Gbadamosi explained.
Reconciliation Through Party Intervention
Gbadamosi acknowledged the role of party leaders and government officials who intervened to resolve the misunderstanding. Those involved included Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Hon. Tunji Akinosi, representing Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency; the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sessan Fagbayi; Lai Taiwo; Kazeem Salako; and the APC Local Government Chairman, J.J. Akeran.
“Their fatherly and motherly mediation brought reconciliation and mutual understanding. Considering the Executive Chairman’s compliance with one of our key resolutions—the presentation of the Local Government’s Income and Expenditure Account—this Honourable House has resolved to lift the suspension earlier placed on him,” Gbadamosi stated.
Following the resolution, the Acting Chairman, Abosede Balogun, formally handed over the administration of the council to Wasiu Lawal in the presence of the APC leaders who witnessed the handover.
“This moment symbolizes a return to normalcy and a renewed spirit of collective service,” Gbadamosi added.
He emphasized that the council would continue to discharge its constitutional duties of promoting transparency and accountability while working harmoniously with the executive arm to ensure effective governance.
Background to the Suspension
Earlier in the week, the legislative council had suspended Lawal after a motion was moved by Musediq Asalu, the councillor representing Ota Ward 2. Asalu accused the chairman of gross misconduct, negligence, and insubordination, alleging that he failed to present the council’s financial records despite repeated requests.
The councillor stated that such actions violated provisions of the Ogun State Local Government Law 2000 (as amended), particularly Sections 37(11), 52(f), and 52(i) of Part V.
The motion, moved by Asalu, was adopted by the House after no member raised a counter-motion. Consequently, Lawal was directed to hand over government properties to the Head of Local Government Administration, while Vice Chairman Abosede Balogun was instructed to act in his absence.
At the time, Lawal denied the allegations and described the suspension as “fake.”
Council Reaffirms Commitment to Good Governance
With the new resolution, the legislative and executive arms of the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government have restored cooperation following the reconciliation facilitated by APC leaders.
“This House remains committed to its constitutional mandate of ensuring accountability and promoting good governance. We will continue to work closely with the executive arm, guided by transparency, mutual respect, and the rule of law,” Gbadamosi reaffirmed.
He commended the party leaders and stakeholders whose mediation helped restore peace, describing the development as a new beginning for unity and effective administration in the local government.
