Mr. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, a son of former governor of Oyo state, Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, has described his suspension as Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area by four councillors in the council as illegal, null and void.

Alao-Akala junior made this known in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Thursday. His father, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala who is also the gubernatorial candidate of Action Democratic Party (ADP), in the March 9th election, was the governor of the state between 2007 and 2011.

Olamijuwonlo, who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join his father in ADP was elected as Chairman of the council in May last year.

Mr. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala who until his suspension last Friday was the Chairman of the council, was suspended by four councillors among whom are; Hon. Adebowale Oladunmoni (Deputy Leader), Hon. Zakariyau Ayinde Kabiru, Hon. Adisa Raheem Kingsley and Hon. Busari Lamidi Adesina.

The four councillors in the letter, a copy which were sent to the office of the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Bimbo Kolade said, “Take notice that we the undersigned councillors in Ogbomoso Local Government Area hereby passed a resolution suspending you from the office as the executive chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government for your gross misconduct”.

Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala has since been replaced by Mr. Abass Bello who until his inauguration was the Vice Chairman of the council.

Bello was inaugurated as Chairman of the council by the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade on Wednesday in Ibadan, the state capital.

But, the junior Alao-Akala who said that he was voted into the office for three years, however, said that he is still in charge.

Alao-Akala in his reaction said, “On Tuesday, 19th February 2019, I received a letter conveying my purported suspension from office as the Executive Chairman Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State by minority councillors-elect, through the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. M.F Afolabi.

“My purported suspension by 4 of the 10 elected councillors is illegal, null and void. The legislative councils of local government areas in the State are yet to be inaugurated since our elections in May 2018; therefore, the meeting where my purported suspension was agreed was unconstitutional.

“It is noteworthy that the 1999 Nigerian Constitution 1999 As Amended and the Oyo State Local Government Administration Law clearly state the procedures for suspension and/or removal of a duly elected council chairman. Based on the provisions of the constitutions, only a validly inaugurated legislative arm of the local government council can deliberate and recommend suspension and/or removal of an Executive Chairman to the state House of assembly for a final decision. Unfortunately for the 4 councillors-elect, they are yet to be inaugurated neither do their number constitute the required quorum (two-thirds of the councillors-elect) in the circumstances.

“It is my honest suggestion to the Councillors-Elect and the purveyors of violence and impunity nudging them on, to exercise some patience until their inauguration, for them to now confront me with whatever grievances they may have against me, instead of acting without capacity, an action that appears to be a prelude towards throwing the peaceful town of Ogbomoso into some artificial and avoidable crises.

“Stemming from the above, I have decided to take the purported suspension with a pinch of salt since same is predicated on a non-existent foundation. Our courts have long settled it, as enunciated in the popular case of UAC V. Macfoy that “…..you cannot put something on nothing, and expect it to stand”. Hence, this is a comedy of the absurd, and we urge all parties concerned to at least, pretend to act a bit of honour, even if they lack the same.

“My attention has also been drawn to the laughable statement made by the Chairman of APC in Ogbomoso North LGA, Mr. Bukola Badmus, wherein he purportedly suspended me from the party, APC, even when I have since left the APC for a truly progressive party Action Democratic Party (ADP). This is not only laughable but a pointer to the degree of frustration and looming failures that seems to stare in the face of the APC of Ogbomoso North LG in the coming elections. I am already out of that sinking ship, I wish them well.

“I want to allay the fears of the citizens and residents of Ogbomoso North LGA who voted me into office, that I am still in charge and my 3 years mandate shall be dedicated to serving you better. Once again, I pledge not to betray the trust and confidence you have in me”.

Source: http://dailypost.ng/2019/02/22/still-charge-suspension-illegal-null-void-alao-akala/

Post Category: Politics





   

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