…Endorses the allocation of 2,000 hectares as compensation for affected communities
The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the state Lands Bureau to appear before it to provide clarity on previous allocations and recurring land-related issues. It also approved land compensation for communities where the state government acquired lands for public use.
At plenary last Thursday, the House adopted the recommendations of the Committee on Rules and Business on a petition titled “Application by Oriba Community in Epe Local Government to join in the petition of Ladaba Community” presented by Hon. Noheem Adams.
Following the presentation of the report, the House unanimously adopted the recommendations as its resolution by asking the bureau to appear before it with proper documents to explain the status of lands acquired by the state. The committee also recommended that the bureau issue excision/allocation letters to the 68 affected communities, while their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) should be ready within one month of the House’s resolution.
Members who lent their voices to the matter commended the committee for ensuring they got justice for the affected communities and suggested that their compensation should be increased from 20% to 25%.
In his summation, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon.. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa acknowledged the need for increased compensation but noted that the state government has its plans. Particularly, he endorsed the allocation of 20% (2,000 hectares) of the 10,000 hectares acquired by the state government as compensation.
Speaker Obasa further recommended that the committee should collaborate with the Lands Bureau, Office of the State Surveyor General, and New Towns Development Authority for the effective implementation of the recommendations.
The Lagos State Lands Bureau is responsible for land administration and management. It oversees key activities such as land allocation, issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), land registration, and the management of state-owned lands.
Its primary goals include ensuring equitable and transparent land transactions, facilitating urban planning, and supporting economic development by maintaining an organized system of land ownership. The bureau also handles disputes related to land and implements policies to optimize land use while protecting public interests.
]]>A self-proclaimed group, Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, had accused the Assembly of spending the amount to construct a gate. The group also sought investigation of the claim.
Speaking at plenary, Dr. Obasa said the allegation stemmed from the fear of some people over 2027 which is still more than two years away.
Obasa further debunked the claim that the House spent N200 million on its recently organised 22nd thanksgiving service for staff.
“It is so funny. How much is the allocation of the Assembly in the whole year that we will decide to spend N17 billion on a gate? They even claimed that we expended 200 million on thanksgiving that did not hold.
“We are aware that at a period like this when we are approaching elections in 2027, we should expect such things. I think some people are scared and I don’t know why.
“This House did not and has not embarked on any such project. We are not that reckless. We had our thanksgiving last Friday and dignitaries from various parts of the State attended it,” the Speaker said.
Addressing further claims by the group about the alleged relationship between him and the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, the Speaker denied attending the latter’s screening and confirmation by the National Assembly.
“They said that I was at the National Assembly when they were confirming the EFCC chairman. I want to believe that there are CCTV cameras at the National Assembly to identify those who attended the event. The press must have written about it too. So the group should do more to confirm if I was there.
“This is just to deny the allegations in the interest of the public and not the writers because the writers are not those we should be joining words with,” the Speaker said.
Earlier, the House, through its spokesperson, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, had addressed the allegations noting that the Assembly bases its activities on integrity, transparency and accountability.
“It is ludicrous the claim about constituency intervention funds and constituency project funds and their handling by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko as claimed by the group.
“One would have expected a self-acclaimed anti-corruption crusading group to do its groundwork before jumping across the fence with conviction that it hit a jackpot to malign an institution of repute in the name of politics.
“Simply put, the Lagos State House of Assembly does not have any such funds. The Assembly does not embark on constituency projects. Instead, once every year, the House holds stakeholders’ meetings simultaneously across the state where constituents have the opportunity to tell the lawmakers their expectations and make requests for the betterment of the state.
“These requests and expectations are compiled and sent to the executive arm of government for consideration as inputs in subsequent budgets. If this is what the group takes as constituency intervention or project funds, we are sure this explanation has given the required education, moreover, it is common knowledge that it is the responsibility of the Executive arm to execute such projects,” the earlier statement by Ogundipe read.
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– accuses detractors of peddling news of alleged governorship ambition
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday said he had not given a serious thought about becoming the next governor of the state as was already being speculated.
Dr. Obasa said his major concern has been to strengthen the party in the state adding that this is why he continues to minimise more people to support the party at all times, an act which has been misconstrued by ‘political detractors’ to mean that he was chasing a governorship ambition.
The Speaker said this in his remarks shortly after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the state’s 2025 budget size of N3,005,935,198,401.
Earlier, a vote of confidence was passed on the Speaker by all the lawmakers present at plenary.
Sanwo-Olu had said the budget comprised a total revenue of N2,597,034,000,000 and a deficit financing of N408,902,000,000.
The ‘Budget of Sustainability’ which is made of a recurrent expenditure of N1.239 trillion (41%) and capital expenditure of N1.766 trillion (59%), is also to be sourced from a total revenue of N1,970,897,000,000 and total Federal transfers N626,137,000,000.
Reacting, Speaker Obasa noted that the budget was presented at a time complaints by Nigerians about the economy. He, however, appealed to Nigerians to be hopeful as President Bola Tinubu’s administration works to ensure the nation’s economic recovery.
He added: “I have made it a personal task to mobilise people on the platform of Mandate, which has been misconstrued by some political detractors as being a selfish aspiration on the ground for me to become governor of the state. There is the need, however, to correct this wrong impression. My concern is about building our party, and whatever we do is mainly for this cause.
“To the blackmailers who have embarked on the mission to distort and redefine our mission, let me state it unequivocally here, our intention is to promote our party on the platform of Mandate.
“Also, becoming governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better of.”
Read the Speaker’s full remarks below:
Distinguished guests, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to yet another budget presentation by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. Today marks another significant milestone for our dear State in the pursuit and realisation of remarkable economic transformation, infrastructural renewal and development towards a greater Lagos. The Y2025 budget proposal themed “Budget of Sustainability”, which is above the N 2.3 trillion presented by Mr Governor last year, is a confirmation of our commitment to sustainable development and economic growth.
2. Ladies and gentlemen,
This presentation is coming at a time when we all face the reality of daunting economic challenges. We recognise the current economic upheaval, but we are confident that our strategic plans will stimulate growth, attract investments, and improve the standard of living for all Lagosians. Also, the renewed hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is focused on the futuristic plan for the nation’s economic recovery, which is indeed certain and realisable. As such, I appeal to our people to keep the hope alive. There is, no doubt, a light at the end of the tunnel for us as a nation!
3. Esteemed guests,
It is on the record that this honourable House has always been in support of the present administration, particularly the Governor in everything. There has never been a request from Mr Governor that this House has ever denied.
4. That being said, it is necessary to harp on the fact that under democracy, this arm of government remains independent. This House, of course, recognizes this and will always be so, even though we work hand-in-hand with other arms of government. It is also important to state here that this House is a sanctuary and temple, just like every other temple anywhere where we all worship. No one will violate any temple and expect the gods to accept his or her sacrifice. And if such happens, there must be an appease to the gods to accept such atonement. No amount of intimidation or coercing will disintegrate or change the belief of all the members of this institution!
5. Today, we want to assure Mr Governor that this honourable House will look at the budget and do the necessary scrutiny as usual. But it should be noted that this institution remains resolute. We will never be disgraced, abused or ridiculed in the name of creating a seamless working ambiance.
6. Let me also emphasise that those who live in glass houses must not throw stones as the saying goes. This also brings to my mind, according to our people: eni ba yara logun ngbe. Meaning, the god of iron recognises the swift ones. In other words, those who are facilitating or planning to interfere in this House or destroy the cohesion of this institution should also be prepared for the same fate.
7. Ladies and gentlemen,
May I use this medium to sensitise us more on the need to build and sustain our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding our focus for 2027. We need to continue to mobilise people just as I do frequently. I have made it a personal task to mobilise people on the platform of Mandate, which has been misconstrued by some political detractors as being a selfish aspiration on the ground for me to become governor of the state. There is the need, however, to correct this wrong impression. My concern is about building our party, and whatever we do is mainly for this cause.
8. To the blackmailers who have embarked on the mission to distort and redefine our mission, let me state it unequivocally here, our intention is to promote our party on the platform of Mandate. Also, becoming governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better of.
9. In addition, it is also important to correct the impression from some naysayers who have been insinuating that I made payment to seek for blood relation in Ojo to validate my candidacy to run as governor. Of course, I have never denied the fact that I am OBASA. But rather, I have never claimed to be related to Onikoyi, Oniru, or any of the other popular Lagos families as the case may be. I can indeed never run from the fact that I am related to my Obasa family in Ojo. But I do not need local validity to contest or run. If eventually I am contesting, I will do so from Agege!
10. Nonetheless, we want to thank Mr Governor for doing the needful, constitutionally, by presenting the budget. You can rest assured that this House will also respect its constitutional right to address the budget and get back to you.
11. Distinguished guests,
As we hope that the Y2025 Budget will be of great benefit to the people of Lagos State, we, however, appeal to Mr Governor and Lagosians to give us sufficient time to enable the House do a thorough job on a financial document that has great influence on the lives of the people. The Assembly would not delay the passage of the budget, but we will be interested in placing a high premium on the need to ensure that the interests of Lagosians are protected socio-economically and politically. We are your representatives here at the House of Assembly, and we are duty bound to do justice to every sector of the state’s economy.
12. At the same time, I want to thank my colleagues for standing on the side of the people at all times. I appreciate your efforts, I cherish your support, which has always been an inspiration and source of strength for me. I commend your courage and perseverance. We will remain united, focused and determined until our expectations are realised.
13. My sincere commendation also goes to the Clerk of the House and the entire staff and management for performing their responsibilities with a sense of patriotism and loyalty. I thank everybody here in this hallowed chamber and all Lagosians for your support and resilience and we appreciate the fact that you are not giving up on us. We will not let you down. We will take you to the promised land: it is a mandate we cannot but fulfil.
Once again, I thank you all for coming and wish us a fruitful Y2025.
Thanks for your listening pleasure.
Rt Hon (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa,
Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly
– Aminat Alege, victim of shot teargas canister, gets N5m
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday celebrated with children from various schools in the State as part of activities to mark his 52nd birthday which comes up on November 11. Dr. Obasa, who gifted brilliant pupils from across the 20 local government areas of Lagos and students in the six districts of the state with cash rewards, urged the children to abstain from social vices as such could redirect their purposes in life.
At the event which was held at the Oyewole Primary School, Agege, the Speaker said he loves celebrating his birthday with school children as a way to motivate them and make them serious with their studies. “We want you to develop that confidence, that dream that you will become something tomorrow. This was my school. As a child, I never thought that I would be where I am today. “Therefore, you must be hardworking. It does not matter the name of your school, what matters is your ability and how much you can put into your study. So start reading now. “I was in class three when I finished preparing the processes for WAEC exams. I can display my result and how I passed at one sitting. You don’t have to feel oppressed because you’re not in a private school. That’s why we are always here to encourage you and make you see that you’re truly our future. “You can be better than us but you must make sure you are serious with your education.
I want a situation where in the future, you would remember today and also find yourself in positions to inspire others. “Please, I beg you. Never give in to crime. For the girls, do not be corrupted or influenced negatively. Don’t be enticed with money. Be upright and adopt morality,” the Speaker advised.
AMINAT ALEGE: 12-YEAR-OLD STUDENT SHOT IN EYE GETS N5M One of the highlights of the event was the award of N5 million to Aminat Alege, the student who was mistakenly hit in the eye by a teargas canister shot by a policeman on February 9, 2024. The money was contributed by the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly as part of efforts to help the victim’s family mitigate the educational challenge she may have faced since the incident. Speaking on behalf of his colleagues during the presentation of a cheque to Aminat’s parents, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, (Eti-Osa II), said Speaker Obasa had been disturbed since the incident happened to the student of the Adams Yakubu Memorial school Agege. He said the lawmakers decided to assist after watching Aminat’s parents appeal for assistance from the public. “There was a programme where the parents cried out for assistance. So we at the Lagos State House of Assembly have contributed the sum of N5 million. We have also offered a scholarship for the young lady so that she can continue her education,” he said.
The lawmakers further donated 15 computer sets to three schools, Oyewole Primary School, Thomas Aquinas school and Royal Apple School.
2 STUDENTS GET SCHOLARSHIPS For winning in a current affairs question-and-answer session, two students at the event won scholarships by the chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area, Babatunde Johnson. Ishola Moyinoluwa of Ikeja Junior High School and Isiaka Bashar Ayomiposi of Eko Junior College were among the students who participated in the competition. While Moyinoluwa came first, Ayomiposi came second during the competition.
Commending Obasa, Mr. Johnson noted God’s mercies on the Speaker who he described as “a leader that has paid his dues.” The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams said, ‘Obasa has become a pride to the people of Agege’ because of the massive infrastructural development the Speaker has attracted to the area. Speaking for the educational sector, Tutor-General Adekanye Oladele, commended the Speaker for always uplifting education in the state. She promised that the students would continue to make the state proud.
]]>Following a protest by some Lagos parents over the increase in the boarding fees of the state’s model colleges, the Lagos State House of Assembly has directed the Chairman of its House Committee on Education, Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara, to invite all the concerned stakeholders and report back within a week.
This directive came after the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, met with the protesters at the Assembly gate.
The fees were hiked from N35,000 to N100,000 for the 2024/2025 session which commenced on September 15, 2024.
During plenary on Monday, Obasa said that he had to intervene when he heard the crowd chanting protest songs at the entrance to the Assembly.
He advised the parents to remain calm, assuring them that the matter would be addressed.
Hon. Sangodara (Surulere II) informed the House that the committee had already engaged the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders.
Hon. Shabi Adekola (Lagos Mainland II) also explained that during a meeting with the officials of the Ministry of Education and others, it was agreed that the parents should continue paying N35,000 pending further review of the fees.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa Constituency II) pointed out that the increment was primarily related to students’ feeding costs. He, however, urged the government to explore ways to ease the financial burden on parents and offer assistance where necessary.
In his contribution, Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) added that parents had raised concerns that students unable to pay the new fee were not allowed to purchase food within the school premises adding that this had further complicated the situation.
The House is expected to await the report from the education committee before taking further steps.
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The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday agreed to conduct another public hearing on a bill that seeks to review the Local Government Administration law of the state.
The House also invited the Attorney-General of the State, Lawal Pedro, for an interpretation of the recent Supreme Court judgement on financial autonomy for local governments.
The resolutions came at a sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
Dr. Obasa said the review of the Local Government Administration law is not aimed at scrapping the LCDAs but to further strengthen them.
“I agree on the need for us to schedule a second allotted day for the public hearing,” the Speaker said while adding that he had been inundated with calls by people who wanted to know the fate of the LCDAs.
“We are not scrapping the LDCAs. Rather, what we are trying to do is to look at the recent Supreme Court judgement in terms of Lagos and local governments joint account and fashion out a way where the parent local governments and the LDCAs work together without the LDCAs shortchanged,” he added.
The Speaker also agreed on the need to work for the formal listing of the LCDAs by the National Assembly.
“Kano has 44 local governments and out of Kano, Jigawa was created and has 27,” he said as he suggested a review of the revenue sharing formula by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
Chairman of the Committee on Local Government, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, had, while giving a report on the public hearing earlier conducted by the committee, said that many of the stakeholders invited for the event could not make it.
He attributed the poor attendance to the weather condition of the day just as he prayed the House to approve a second allotted day for the exercise.
Supporting Hon. Okanlawon’s request, his colleague, Hon. Ladi Ajomale said: “A lot of people are saying they do not understand what is going on and maybe the government is trying to wipe some people out of the local government system,” he said.
He also called for a liaison and better collaboration with the National Assembly with the aim of making the upper legislature understand why the LDCAs should be listed as substantive local governments.
On his part, Hon. Desmond Elliot noted that because of the size of Lagos in terms of population and its economic importance to Nigeria, it was imperative to work for the listing of the LCDAs.
“Anambra state has 21 local governments and it is nowhere close to what Lagos has in terms of resources, economic importance and dividends of democracy,” he said.
]]>Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Sunday, counselled members of the House to strengthen the legislative arm of government ahead of the future.
Dr. Obasa gave the advice in Abeokuta, Ogun State at the opening of a three-day budget retreat for lawmakers and staff of the House with the theme: ‘Optimising the legislature’s power of the Purse’ for effective service delivery in Lagos State’.
The Speaker challenged the lawmakers to be committed in their legislative duties as they must leave lasting legacies for the future, strengthen governance, responsibility and accountability.
He charged the lawmakers on improved and effective legislative oversight functions being one of the responsibilities of the legislature.
“What we do now is really not about us; it is for the totality of the system.
“I appreciate this budget retreat. Each one of us must be responsible in carrying out the assignments we are tasked with. This is very essential.
“We carry out budget scrutiny based on what is presented by the executive. Once we give a go-ahead, it means the executive must comply and treat it accordingly because it has become a law.
“Going forward, all the reports of each committee must be presented at the floor of the House. This will help us decide on how to act for the sake of transparency and accountability,” the Speaker said.
He advised the lawmakers against docility in the task of ensuring that Lagos continues to weather economic storms.
“We all have roles to play and, in doing that, sentiments and self-benefits must be removed. The day you start with self-benefit, you have become a failure.
“If you do your job the way you should do it, you will earn your respect and will be held in high esteem by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“We are here today again to look at how we can improve on the laws we make at the House of Assembly as well as our oversight functions.
‘Let’s continue to be dedicated and loyal and I am sure we will get there. Let’s always straighten the path for Lagosians and those coming behind us,” he urged.
In his opening remark, the Clerk and Head of Service of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, described the retreat as an avenue to have insights into the state’s budget.
While commending the Speaker, he urged the participants to “be attentive and take home fresh ideas and knowledge.”
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Friday held simultaneous stakeholders’ meetings with their constituents with renewed commitments to boost food security and sufficiency in the state.
They also called for collaboration by the stakeholders to end food insecurity.
Speaking in his Agege Constituency 1, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, identified food insecurity as a multi-faceted challenge requiring the efforts of the government and the people to resolve.
This year’s stakeholders’ meeting is the ninth in the series and has the theme: ‘Ensuring Food Security for Sustainable Future: Youth Participation and Home-Grown Farming’.
Dr. Obasa said the Lagos Assembly was committed to ensuring food security in line with the United Nation’s sustainable
development goals of eradication of poverty.
“We at the Lagos State House of Assembly are committed to making Lagos an producing state and not just a consuming state in the agriculture value chain to tackle the present-day reality of food insufficiency.
“Our commitment is exemplified through transformational laws and policy supervision in the agricultural sector,” he said noting that with the collaboration of the Assembly, the government of the state has made giant strides in the agriculture sector.
He listed some of the agricultural initiatives to include the setting up of the 34-hectare Ikorodu Fish
Farm Estate which has the capacity to produce and
process 10,000 tons of fish per year partnering
with 400 fish farmers in the State
He mentioned the AGRIC-YES
programme and “the Oke-Aro and Gberigbe Pig Farm Estates that currently partners with 1,200 farmers and have the capacity of housing and processing 88,000 mature pigs per annum.
“It is important to reiterate that, on our part as lawmakers, we have also created an enabling
environment for farming activities to thrive in the state,
particularly through the passage of anti-open grazing of livestock Law in September, 2021.”
He said to achieve food sufficiency, farming capacity needs to be widened while residents should consider animal husbandry.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Ganiyu Egunjobi, identified insecurity and non-availability of low interest loan for the youth population as responsible for the food crisis.
“This meeting cannot come at a better time. The problem responsible for the food shortage are many among which are insecurity that has prevented many farmers from accessing their farms. Farming in Nigeria is no longer attractive to the teeming youths.
“I want to suggest to the government at all levels to subsidise farming and also give loans at very low interest to farmers. The government should also improve on existing physical infrastructures in farming communities that would discourage urban migration and encourage youths to embrace farming. Farming and youth unemployment are recurring issues which require multidimensional interventions to tackle,” he said.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Akinyemi Olusegun of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, urged the youths and residents in the state to engage in urban farming.
“In Lagos, we are more than 22 million and as a result we have a huge need for food. People want to eat and engage in food business,” he said urging youths to focus on home-grown farming.
]]>The letter, dated 8th October, 2024, was signed by Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
Titled: ‘Re: Suspension of Mr. Sulaimon Jelili, Chairman, Alimosho Local Government Area Resolution of the House’, the appointment letter read: “I write to refer to the resolution of the House of Assembly in respect of the above
subject which states that Mr. Sulaimon Jelili has been suspended indefinitely from
Office as the Chairman, Alimosho Local Government in accordance with Section 24
(1,2,3,4) of the Local Government Administration Law (Amendment) Law, 2016. (Copy attached for ease of reference).
“In view of the above, you are to assume duty IMMEDIATELY as the Acting Chairman, Alimosho Local Government.”
Recall that the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday suspended Jelili Sulaimon from office following various allegations by the lawmakers.
The lawmakers resolved at the sitting that Johnson should take over the running of the affairs of the council.
The lawmakers further instructed the management of the council, including the manager and treasurer, to recognise Johnson and accord him all the support to make him work effectively.
Meanwhile, four out of the seven councillors in the council have denounced the purported suspension of Johnson by their three colleagues.
In a press release signed by the four councillors including Deputy Leader Mojisola Fabusuyi Ayeni (Ward D), Saheed Adejoke (Ward C), Rasheed Semiu (Ward E), Elizabeth Fashina (Ward F), they commended the House of Assembly for intervening while urging stakeholders’ in the council to go about their activities peacefully.
Read the full statement below:
Illegal Suspension of Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson,Vice Chairman Alimosho Local Government
We, the undersigned legislators from Alimosho Local Government, officially dissociate ourselves from the staged managed, and illegal suspension of Mr. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, The Vice Chairman of Alimosho Local Government.
We condemn in totality the purported suspension of the Vice Chairman by minority legislators who acted on instructions of the validly suspended Chairman.
As representatives of our people from different wards in Alimosho, we remain committed to supporting the state and federal government’s efforts to improve the lives and well-being of our people, most especially at the grassroots.
We commend the State House of Assembly for their intervention in the mismanagement of the local government over the years. We urge all stakeholders to remain peaceful as there’s no cause for alarm.
The Renewed Hope (RH) Agenda of our Dear President, H.E Asiwaju Bola Tinubu GCFR, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES + Agenda, deserve every attention and support at this critical stage of our state and nationhood and by extension at the local government.
We would like to emphasize that at no time was the Vice Chairman suspended hence our readiness to support him going forward with the administration of the Local Government.
As a man of the people, we have no doubt in our minds that Hon Akinpelu Johnson will deliver beyond the expectations.
We shall keep the public posted should there be any information of interest to the public.
Signed:
1. Councillor. Mojisola Fabusuyi Ayeni (Ward D), Alimosho LGA, Deputy Leader
2. Councillor Saheed Adejoke (Ward C), Alimosho LGA, Chief Whip
3. Councillor Rasheed Semiu (Ward E), Alimosho LGA, Member.
4. Councillor Elizabeth Fashina (Ward F), Alimosho LGA, member.
]]>The Lagos State House of Assembly has asked suspended chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon, and his lawyer, Dr. Abdul Mahmud, to recognise the place of law rather than sentiments and emotions as guiding principles of legislative practices in Lagos State.
The advice by the Assembly on Tuesday was in response to the purported reaction of the duo to the suspension of the council chairman by the House on Monday at plenary.
The House, in the reaction signed by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe,
chairman, Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, further advised Jelili against ascribing self-made meanings to the laws empowering the lawmakers act where necessary in the interest of the people.
Read the full reaction below:
JELILI SULAIMAN’S SUSPENSION BACKED BY LAW
The attention of the Lagos State House of Assembly has been drawn to a statement supposedly signed by Dr. Abdul Mahmud, counsel to the embattled Alimosho local government chairman, Mr. Jelili Sulaimon, claiming to condemn the unanimous agreement of the Assembly to suspend his client on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Beyond the sensational rhetoric and half-baked details in the statement that is replete with emotions rather than deep-thoughts, it is pertinent to break down the real situation and puncture arguments as to the powers of the House to suspend Mr. Jelili.
In his race to the public to ‘garner’ sentiments, Jelili’s lawyer forgot to remember that there are no local government areas that created themselves. In other words, the creation of a local government follows strict processes of the law and Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) creates the path to knowledge about this.
“The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the Government of every State shall, subject to Section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their existence under a Law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils.” Does this answer a question from the arguments of Jelili’s lawyer as to who has the power to create laws that regulate the activities of local government councils and their administration?
For better understanding, that section provides for the existence of: democratically elected system of Local Government to be guaranteed by a law of the State House of Assembly.
The same section provides that the House of Assembly is required to make provisions for statutory allocation of public revenue to Local Government Councils in a State. Section 8(3) highlights the procedure to be undertaken by a State House of Assembly in the creation of a new Local Government Area(s) in a State while Section 8(4) highlights the procedure to be undertaken by a State House of Assembly, through law, in the boundary adjustment of existing Local Government Areas.
Now, Section 162 (8) of the Constitution stipulates that a Law of the State House of Assembly shall provide for the distribution of monies standing to the credit of Local Government councils in a State.
Maybe we should remind him, his client and those travelling with him that Section 128 of the same Constitution further gives clarity to the powers of the House of Assembly.
“Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a House of Assembly shall have power
by resolution published in its journal or in the
office Gazette of the Government of the State
to direct or cause to be directed an inquiry or
investigation into –
(a) any matter or thing with respect to which it
has power to make laws.
Here and based on the above constitutional provision, we are moved to ask again: who is legally guaranteed to make the law that creates the running of the local government? It is definitely not the National Assembly which is granted the constitutional powers to create states and not local governments.
This brings us to the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law (as amended) upon which the creation, administration and related activities of the local government system of Lagos State are based.
For better public information and effective knowledge, Section 24(a) of the amended law gives powers to the Lagos State House of Assembly to pass a resolution for the removal or suspension of any chairman, vice chairman, or official of any local government area (LGA) or local council development area (LCDA) after conducting an investigation. It states further that all that is needed for this resolution is a simple majority of the Assembly members. This emphasis is further highlighted in Section 5 of the law.
The amendment aims to ensure accountability and maintain order within the local government structure in Lagos State.
With this level of enlightenment as to the position of the laws guiding the administration of local government councils, it is further important to avoid misinformation or misrepresentation of the recent Supreme Court judgement concerning local governments in Nigeria. There is a marked difference between financial autonomy (upon which the lawyer’s argument rests) and administrative powers of the House. The rush to churn out a defence armed, albeit, with inferior understanding of the Supreme Court judgement does not give a sufficient case against the action of the House of Assembly.
The Local Government Administration law from which the council chairman and other elected officials of the local government system derive their powers is a product of the House of Assembly. The office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments that monitors the financial activities of this third tier of government is created by the law made by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The Local Government Service Commission which handles issues relating to the officials of local governments is a creation of the House of Assembly. The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) that conducts elections into elective offices at the local government level is a creation of the House of Assembly. Therefore, jettisoning these facts will amount to a poor knowledge of the legislature. If you say the Lagos State House of Assembly does not have the power over local governments, it means all these laws created by the House should not be in place. If the laws should not be in place, then why would local governments exist?
We learnt that in a bid to protect the chairman, the councillors of the Alimosho Local Government Area hurriedly suspended the Vice Chairman, Akinpelu Johnson. To show how laughable this is, it is good to note that the law guiding them does not have a provision for suspension. The Local Government Administration law gives them the opportunity to remove a chairman or vice chairman but this also comes with a process. Thus, the suspension of Johnson is simply invalid. It is therefore necessary to remind the council leader that he can also be removed in line with the Local Government Administration law of Lagos State. If he does not know this, then, it is a pity.
For the few trying to juxtapose the functions of the National Assembly with those of the House of Assembly in this case, they should take a chill pill and request to be tutored. The National Assembly cannot interfere with the runnings of a State. It is not a part of its duty. On the other hand, the constitution grants the State House of Assembly powers over the local governments.
It is to be noted that this is not the first time the Lagos State House of Assembly would be suspending the same council chairman. In May 2021, he was suspended with two others by the House for their total disregard for the local government guidelines created by the State Legislature.
While we urge against mawkishness, we would also like to task residents of the council and members of the public not to allow themselves be swayed by positions and opinions that are opposite the law in this regard.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe
Chairman, Committee on Information
Lagos State House of Assembly.