Owo LG lawmakers suspend chairman over ‘abuse of office’

A fresh political crisis has erupted in Owo LGA of Ondo state following the suspension of Tope Omolayo, the council chairman, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

The decision, which took immediate effect, was contained in a resolution passed on Tuesday by the Owo legislative council under the leadership of Doyin Adebayo, the house leader.

Two-thirds of the 11 councillors in the council reportedly endorsed the resolution, which accused Omolayo of financial mismanagement, violation of budgetary provisions, disregard for internally generated revenue (IGR) guidelines, and disrespect for traditional rulers.

In a statement issued after the sitting, the lawmakers said the move was necessary to uphold transparency and accountability in the administration of the council.

“The Owo legislative council has taken decisive action to ensure good governance and accountability in the local government,” the statement reads.

“These allegations are serious and require thorough investigation to restore transparency and integrity in the management of the council’s affairs.”

The lawmakers directed the council’s vice-chairman, Hamed Ibrahim, to take over in an acting capacity, pending the outcome of the investigation.

They also instructed the head of LG administration in the state to update the council’s bank signatories to reflect the interim leadership, while Omolayo was asked to hand over all the government’s properties in his possession.

The council assured residents of its commitment to accountability and urged them to remain calm as the investigation proceeds.

‘IT’S POLITICALLY MOTIVATED’

However, in a response, Omolayo dismissed the resolution, describing it as a “charade” engineered by political opponents to discredit him.

The embattled LG chairman said he had not received any official communication regarding his suspension.

Omolayo insisted that he remained the legitimate chairman of the council.

“I didn’t receive any letter from them,” he said.  “In fact, we attended the same event yesterday. I’m still very much in charge.”

Omolayo alleged that some councillors were making monetary demands from him, which he refused to meet.

“All they wanted was for me to give them money,” he alleged.

“When funds were released for projects, they demanded 30 percent. I refused, and that’s where this problem started.”

He described the allegations against him as “politically motivated” and insisted that his record in office showed commitment to transparency and service.

“Ask anyone—I’m a man of peace, and I’ve served my people with sincerity. Those behind these online reports just want to derail our progress,” he said.

He described the development as “mere online propaganda”, insisting that no legitimate authority had suspended or impeached him.

“As far as I’m concerned, nothing is happening,” he said.

“I am still the executive chairman of Owo local government. I have not been suspended or impeached.”