CITIZENS COMPASS—Some councillors in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, have placed an indefinite suspension on their council chairman, Tope Omotayo, over alleged financial misconduct.
The Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the leadership of Hon. Doyin Adebayo, placed the suspension on Tuesday, during its plenary session.
Out of the 11 councillors in the legislative arm, a two-thirds majority reportedly voted in favour of Omotayo’s suspension after adopting a motion citing multiple allegations of abuse of office.
In a resolution signed by the lawmakers, the Council said the decision was aimed at “ensuring good governance, transparency, and accountability in the administration of Owo Local Government Area.”
The council chairman was accused of financial impropriety, flagrant violation of statutory budgetary and internally generated revenue (IGR) regulations, disrespect to traditional rulers, and failure to conduct himself in a manner befitting his office.
“The Owo Local Government Legislative Council, under the leadership of the House Leader, Hon. Doyin Adebayo, has taken decisive action to preserve the integrity of governance at the grassroots,” part of the resolution read.
Following the suspension, the Council directed the Vice Chairman, Hamed Ibrahim, to immediately assume office as the Acting Chairman of Owo Local Government pending further investigations into the allegations.
The development has reportedly generated tension within the council secretariat, with supporters of both camps trading blame over what some described as a politically motivated move ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Ondo State.
