Breaking: Suspended Lagos LG Chairman Writes Assembly, Seeks Lawmakers’ Forgiveness

Suspended chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Jelili Sulaimon, has pleaded with the state Assembly men for forgiveness, nearly a month after he was axed for non-compliance, defiance and unyielding attitude to the legislative House.

In a ‘Letter of Apology’ personally signed by the embattled chairman, addressed to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and read on the floor of the House on Tuesday, Jelili agreed that his actions may have caused disrespect to the House.

While expressing regret, he promised to henceforth show maximum respect to the House and work closely with the legislators.

The suspended chairman also informed the House, through a letter by his lawyers, that he had withdrawn the suit he filed against the Assembly before a Federal High Court, Abuja.

“I am writing to express my most sincere and heartfelt apology for any actions or inactions, misrepresentation or conduct on my part that may have contributed to the recent misunderstanding between myself and the esteemed Lagos State House of Assembly under your leadership.

“Upon reflection, I realised that my conduct and certain decisions I made might have been perceived as disrespectful or contrary to the standard of leadership and the mutual respect that defines the relationship between the Assembly and the local government leadership.

“This was never my intention. I deeply regret any discomfort or displeasure this may have caused your personality as well as the entire House.

“I have always held the Lagos State House of Assembly and your esteemed office in particular, in the highest regard.

“Any action or miscommunication that may have suggested otherwise was an unfortunate oversight on my part. I am committed to fostering a more constructive and respectful relationship going forward.

“Once again, I sincerely apologise for any inconveniences caused by my actions or inactions,” the letter read as Jelili promised to work closely with the House henceforth.

The House is yet to debate the letter.

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Speaker Obasa Congratulates Oba Akiolu At 81

– commends monarch’s commitment to public service

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated His Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos as he marks his 81st birthday on Tuesday.

In a statement by his media office, Speaker Obasa, the Baa’sofin of Lagos, said at 81, the revered monarch remains committed to excellent community and public service with results that keep promoting the growth and progress of Lagos.

Dr. Obasa extolled the Eleko’s virtues, said Oba Akiolu, Permanent Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, has constantly brought his wisdom to bear in the advancement of the traditional institution as well as the running of the state.

“Oba Akiolu remains a strong believer in the Yoruba tradition, a faithful custodian of culture and a traditional ruler whose knowledge has continued to help Lagos grow in leaps and bounds.

“His reign has mostly brought peace to Lagos just as the monarch has constantly sustained our traditional institution in the state.

“It is exciting to say that Eleko has always brought honour to the throne of his ancestors. His reign has been characterised by unwavering dedication and compassion for Lagosians.

“His guidance, advice and love for his subjects cannot be over-emphasised; his roles in our lives make him a worthy father. As the monarch, he remains our rallying point.

“A source of inspiration, Eleko’s leadership has actuated us to greater heights while bringing value to the throne and strengthening the bond that exists among traditional rulers in the state.

“On behalf of my family, colleagues, management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I celebrate you on this occasion of your 81st birthday and pray that your reign continues to be a blessing for our dear State and beyond,” the statement released by the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, said.

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The Ethical and Legal Implications of Executive Immunity in Kogi State: A Call for Accountability

By Abayomi Odunowo

The situation in Kogi State, Nigeria, is a troubling manifestation of the erosion of public trust in the justice system. Recent revelations suggest that the current governor is using his position to shield his predecessor from accountability for alleged wrongdoings, raising significant ethical and legal concerns. Executive immunity, designed to protect elected officials from frivolous lawsuits and allow them to govern without fear of constant legal challenges, is seemingly being abused. When a sitting governor prioritizes political loyalty over justice, it undermines the core tenets of democracy and the rule of law. This dilemma poses a profound challenge to good governance and reflects a concerning trend of impunity among political elites, ultimately hindering the progress of democracy in Nigeria.

The crux of the issue lies in the perception that immunity is being utilized not as a protective measure for governance but as a mechanism for avoiding accountability. In Kogi State, the ongoing situation has become a flashpoint for discussions about the ethical implications of political influence, and people are beginning to feel that some officials are above the law. This perception has far-reaching consequences, including diminishing citizens’ faith in democratic institutions and signaling to the public that political allegiance may override legal accountability. As citizens helplessly watch their leaders escape the consequences of their actions, the foundational principles of democracy, including equality before the law and accountability, are at risk of being sacrificed.

The ramifications of allowing this situation to continue are severe. It sends a dangerous message: that those in power can evade scrutiny and accountability, emboldening corruption while simultaneously disenfranchising the very citizens they are meant to serve. As individuals observe high-profile figures evade justice, cynicism towards government institutions grows, leading to despair regarding the possibility of change. These sentiments have been further exacerbated by a growing divide between the political elite and the public, as many perceive that their challenges—be it poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, or rampant unemployment—are not being addressed while the influential remain protected from their misdeeds.

Therefore, we call upon civil society organizations, legal experts, and advocates for transparency to rally around this critical issue, demanding prompt investigations into the actions of Kogi State’s leadership and exploring legislative changes that would limit the misuse of executive immunity. This is not merely a legal concern; it is a moral imperative for our democracy. We urge members of the legal community to mobilize and deploy judicial mechanisms to rectify this glaring injustice in our nation. The silence surrounding these events must be shattered, and we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the influence of politics in the justice system, as it not only jeopardizes accountability but also ensures a dangerous precedent for future leadership in Nigeria.

In moving forward, it is essential for relevant leaders to show genuine commitment to the principles of accountability and integrity. Political will must emerge to address these troubling issues head-on. Collective pressure from citizens and advocacy groups could spur action toward holding all individuals accountable under the law, regardless of their status or political affiliation. This could include a range of solutions, from revising existing legislation regarding executive immunity to implementing stricter protocols for oversight and accountability for public officials.

This is a call to action for all stakeholders involved. Civil society organizations need to take a proactive stance, mobilizing public sentiment to advocate for legal reforms that safeguard against the misuse of power. The public outcry for justice must resonate at all levels—through grassroots movements, social media campaigns, and awareness programs, ultimately fostering an environment that demands integrity and accountability from all leaders.

At this critical juncture in Kogi State’s political landscape, we stand united in our demand for immediate investigations and comprehensive changes that address the ethical and legal implications of executive immunity. Together, we can foster a climate of accountability, reinforcing the foundations of democracy and rebuilding trust in our institutions. The time for change is now, and justice must prevail—not just for Kogi State but for the future of democracy in Nigeria.

Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
Mobile: +2349053535322.