The Legislative Council of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area in Ogun State has suspended the council chairman, Wasiu Lawal, over allegations of gross misconduct, financial impropriety, and insubordination.
The development was announced on Thursday by the Leader of the Legislative Council, Mutairu Gbadamosi, in a video that has since gone viral.
Gbadamosi said the motion for Lawal’s suspension was moved by the councillor representing Ota Ward 2, Hon. Musediq Asalu, who accused the chairman of repeatedly flouting the council’s directives and failing to present financial records as required by law.
“Over the past months, this Honourable Council has requested, on at least four occasions, the Income and Expenditure Account of the local government in line with Section 52 of Part V of the Ogun State Local Government Law 2000 (as amended),” Asalu said.
“Despite these repeated requests, the chairman has willfully refused to submit the documents, offering excuses or no response at all.”
Asalu alleged that the chairman’s actions amounted to negligence, insubordination, and a breach of the law, adding that the refusal to render account raised “serious suspicions of financial impropriety and abuse of office.”
He further claimed that Lawal had disregarded resolutions, invitations, and correspondence from councillors, showing “gross disrespect for the legislative arm” and violating the principle of separation of powers at the local government level.
Quoting provisions of the Ogun State Local Government Law, Asalu moved that Lawal be suspended for three months pending the outcome of an investigation into the council’s financial and administrative management.
“During this period, the chairman shall not access any local government accounts or official documents, issue instructions, or act in any official capacity,” the motion read.
The motion was seconded by the councillor representing Agbara Ward and reportedly passed unanimously, as no member supported a counter-motion.
The lawmakers also directed Lawal to return all government property in his possession, including vehicles, documents, and communication devices, to the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA).
The council’s vice chairman, Abosede Balogun, was immediately appointed acting chairman, tasked with performing all duties of the office in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, Gbadamosi urged Governor Dapo Abiodun and state authorities to provide security for the councillors, alleging that thugs loyal to the suspended chairman had attempted to attack members at the council secretariat in Ota.
When contacted by DAILY GAZETTE, Chairman Wasiu Lawal dismissed the suspension as fake.
“It’s just fake, completely fake,” he said in a phone interview. “There’s nothing like that. It’s all rumours.”
Lawal maintained his position even after being informed of the viral video showing his suspension, insisting, “It’s fake. That’s all I can say.”
