Tension as councillors suspend Ondo LG boss

Tension is brewing in Owo local government area of Ondo following the indefinite suspension of the Council Chairman, Hon. Tope Omolayo, over allegations of gross misconduct.

The suspension, announced after a stormy plenary session of the Owo Legislative Council on Wednesday, was part of resolutions passed by a two-thirds majority of the 11 councillors, led by the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo.

Omolayo was accused of financial improprieties, violation of budgetary and revenue regulations, disrespect to traditional rulers, and failure to uphold due administrative conduct, among other offences.

In a statement signed by the councillors, the legislative arm said the move was aimed at restoring accountability and transparency in the council’s operations.

According to the resolution signed by the two-thirds majority of the councillors, “the Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the House leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo, has taken decisive action to ensure good governance and accountability in Owo Local Government Area.

“The allegations against Hon. Omolayo include financial improprieties, utter violation of statutory budget and IGR regulations, disrespect to traditional heads, and failure to conduct himself appropriately. These allegations are serious and require thorough investigation.

“During the period of suspension, Hon. Hamed Ibrahim, the Vice Chairman, shall act as the Chairman of the Local Government Area Council. The investigation into the allegations shall be conducted in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner.

“The Council assures the good people of Owo Local Government Area that this suspension is necessary to ensure good governance and accountability.

“We urge all stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative as we work towards resolving the issues at hand,” the statement read in part.

The lawmakers also directed the Head of Local Government Administration to effect all necessary changes to bank signatories and ensure that all government properties in Omolayo’s possession are returned.

But Omolayo, in his reaction, dismissed reports of his suspension as false and baseless, insisting that he remains the substantive chairman.

He said, “Those are elements of destruction. I didn’t receive any letter from them. We were even in the same programme yesterday”.

He alleged that some of the councillors were unhappy over his refusal to yield to financial demands.

He claimed that the grievances were politically motivated and said “they said I should give them 30 percent from project funds and later demanded ₦25 million. All they wanted was money, money, money.

“I am a man of peace. As far as I’m concerned, nothing is happening. I am not impeached or suspended,” he declared.

However, the development has triggered unease within political circles in Owo, with fears that the suspension may deepen internal crises within the local government’s political structure.

Stakeholders have called for calm as the investigation committee begins its work amid rising tension among supporters of both camps.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE