From James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The chairman of Ipokia local government in Ogun-West area of Ogun state, Mr. Isiaka Wale Aderohunmu, has been suspended from office, over alleged mismanagement of the council fund.
In the suspension letter, signed by all the twelve councilors of the council, a copy of which was obtained by newsmen, the chairman was suspended until further notice.
The letter, which was addressed to the Chairman through the Clerk of the House, contained 13 allegations, which the lawmakers described as impeachable offences.
The letter, which was copied to all security agents in the local government and three banks that hold the account of the local government area, alleged that the chairman failed to remit a sum of N5 million to the council’s purse, being the revenue generated through hiring of the council bulldozer.
The council boss was also alleged to be leasing local government properties and assets to his cronies without following dues process and that he turned down the invitation of the house on five occasions.
The legislators also accused the chairman of running the affairs of the local government like a personal business enterprise, adding that he (the Chairman) failed to carry the legislative arm along on the monthly income and expenditures of the council.
“In consonance with Ogun state Local Government Law, 2002, section 37 (2), the under listed legislators notify your office (Hon) Isiaka Wale Aderohunmu, chairman, Ipokia local government is hereby suspended till further notice for gross misconduct.
“Leasing out Local Government properties and assets without following due process and laid down procedure, which include collection of One Million Naira from his cronies for 10 years on 2600 stand of palm trees, on Idosemo plantation.
“Hiring out of the local government bulldozer, which ass originally meant for the benefit of people of the local government to a private firm in Ogbere Ijebu-East local government without due process; Hiring out of the bulldozer from January 2014 to March 2014 to the turn over Five Million Naira and failure to remit same to the Local Government account.
When contacted, the council chairman claimed ignorance of the suspension notice, adding that the lawmakers know where to go for the statement of the account of the council.
