Councillors in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have announced the suspension of the council chairman, Hon. Micheal Olateju Alabi, over allegations of financial misappropriation and gross misconduct.
The suspension was announced on Monday by eight councillors during a sitting of the legislative arm presided over by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Adeniran Issa, who assumed leadership following the suspension of the House Leader.
The councillors who moved for the suspension were Hon. Okunade Bukunmi Adekunle (Ward 2), Hon. Audu Rafiu Olanrewaju (Ward 3), Hon. Ayinla Saheed (Ward 4), Hon. Ogundele Abiodun (Ward 5), Hon. Adeniran Issa (Ward 6), Hon. Ojosola Mathew (Ward 7), Hon. Olapade Emmanuel (Ward 9) and Hon. Oyebamiji Sunday (Ward 10).
Following the decision, the legislative arm directed the Vice Chairman of the council, Hon. Mrs. Lydia Bankole, to assume office in an acting capacity pending further action by the Oyo State House of Assembly.
In its resolutions, the House accused Alabi and his office of financial improprieties and acts of gross misconduct, calling on the state legislature to take further constitutional steps towards his removal from office.
The councillors also resolved to refer the matter to the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution, subject to the findings of the agency.
The House further resolved that Bankole should take charge of the council as Acting Chairman pending further clarification and action by the state legislature on the leadership of the local government.
On the leadership of the legislative arm, the councillors resolved that Issa should resume as Leader of the House or that another councillor should be selected in line with an agreement among members.
The development is expected to generate further political reactions in the council as attention shifts to the Oyo State House of Assembly and the state government over the next steps.
However, the allegations against Alabi remain subject to investigation and appropriate constitutional procedures.
Efforts to reach the suspended chairman for his reaction were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
