Group protests Lagos council chair’s cabinet list
A group, Concerned Oshodi Citizens, has sent a petition to the Lagos State House of Assembly alleging that Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Chairman, Kehinde Oloyede Almoroof, disregarded the state government’s approved
A group, Concerned Oshodi Citizens, has sent a petition to the Lagos State House of Assembly alleging that Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Chairman, Kehinde Oloyede Almoroof, disregarded the state government’s approved list of appointees, swearing in an unknown individual as Secretary to the Local Government, and removing others from the approved list.
The petition signed by its spokesperson, Sola Omolola, who stormed the assembly with some protesters claimed that the action of the chairman was an impunity and affront to the authority of the state government. It urged the Assembly to intervene, investigate, and take corrective measures to restore confidence and order in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government.
However, the lawmakers, Kazeem Esho (Mushin Constituency 2) and Apata Samuel (Somolu constituency 2), received the petition and assured the protesters that the assembly would look into the matter.
The protesters carried various placards that read: “No To Impunity”; “Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Chairman Should Be Called To Order,” “Oshodi Indigene Appeal To His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu To Compel The Chairman Otunba Oloyede To Honour The List As Signed And Approved By The State” etc.
The petition, which was addressed to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly is titled, ‘’Petition Against the Actions of the Executive Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Kehinde Oloyede Almorof, for Disregarding the Approved list of Secretary of Local Government, Supervisory Councillors and Special Advisers’’.
It read: “Mr Speaker will recall that the Lagos State Government duly released and publicised the list of appointees for the positions of Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Supervisory Councillors, and Special Advisers across the local governments in the state. This list represents the decision and directive of the state government as well as the position of the leadership of our great party.
“However, the Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Otunba Kehinde Oloyede Almoroof, has acted in clear contradiction to the list released by the state government. In a move that can only be described as arbitrary and highly irregular, the chairman deliberately subverted the approved list in order to satisfy what appears to be an insatiable desire for absolute control within the local government administration.
“Most disturbing is that the chairman not only disregarded the official directive but went further to unilaterally introduce an unknown individual whose name was never included in the list released by the state government and subsequently swore him in as the Secretary. This action was taken as a contradiction to the designated Secretary to the Local Government, Smart Olayinka, whose name was published and announced in the state government’s list.
Read Also: NDLEA arrests ex-Lagos councillor, seizes drugs hidden in baby diapers
“Furthermore, the chairman also removed certain individuals whose names were included in the state-approved list. Among those affected are Ishola Idowu Adelana, Taiwo Ganiu Jimoh, Abolore Ajanaku, and Saka Tomori.
“Mr Speaker, we wish to state that the actions exhibited by the chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government are arbitrary, illegal, and represent a display of impunity. Beyond this, they constitute a direct affront to the authority of the Lagos State Government and a disrespect to the leadership of our great party.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) has always been known for its strong adherence to the principles of party supremacy, discipline, respect for constituted authority, and the rule of law within its internal governance structures. The conduct of the chairman therefore runs contrary to the ideals, values, and traditions that have helped sustain the unity and strength of the party over the years.
“We are particularly concerned that if this abuse of power and defiance of constituted authority is left unchecked, it could further deepen polarisation within the party structure at the grassroots level in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government. Such a development could lead to continued factionalisation and internal discord at a time when the party should be consolidating its strength and unity ahead of the forthcoming elections.
“As the party prepares for the critical political task of delivering overwhelming victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates of the party in the forthcoming elections, it is imperative that discipline, order, and respect for leadership decisions are upheld across all levels of governance.
“In view of the foregoing, we humbly appeal to Your Excellency, the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the leadership of the party to urgently intervene in this matter. We believe that a thorough investigation and appropriate corrective measures will help restore confidence, fairness, and order within the political structure of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government.
“We urge that justice, fairness, and equity be allowed to prevail to avert the looming danger of political instability and a breakdown of party cohesion within the local government.
“Our appeal is rooted in the sincere desire to protect the integrity of the party, uphold the authority of the state government, and preserve the principles of party supremacy and internal democracy which remain the bedrock of progressive politics.’’
It demanded justice and fairness to restore respect for constituted authority and reinforce the values of party supremacy in the country.
